Morello Madness: My Pedo

by Amy

It seems like we often tell you about Savannah and "the boys." Well, this post is all about one boy, Pedo.

First of all, I'm so excited to report that we have been her for almost two months, and Peter has done great going to the potty "like a big boy!" I potty trained the boys last September. After a couple of weeks, Alex was done. But we still had a long road ahead of us with Peter. When we were in Virginia (Feb - March) he would go through spurts....He would have a great week followed by 4 or 5 accidents the following week.... But, since we've arrived here, he has done great! I've been hesitant to mention his success to anyone, afraid this was only a phase. But, I think I'm convinced....He's really potty trained! Way to go Pedo!

Those of you that have spent much time with my kids know that Peter and Alex are as different as night and day. Peter is very intense. I have come to appreciate this trait in my son more and more. Why? Because he is the best cleaner-uper I have! Often the kids like to dump and scatter.... Dump their mega-blocks box; dump their wooden train box; dump their geo tracks out; scatter books all over the floor; scatter puzzle pieces (to multiple puzzles) all over the floor....I could go on and on, but I'm sure you get the picture.... Yet, it's OK because when Peter gets in his clean-up-mode, watch out! He gets this really determined look on his face and he doesn't stop until the job is complete! "Complete" is defined as everything off the floor, out from under the bed, lid on the box, etc. So, I've learned that I have to be careful how and when I instruct him. For example, before nap time I'll often tell the boys to clean up their room, meaning, clear a path to the bed and pick up the big toys. That drives Peter crazy! He doesn't want to only pick up the big toys, he wants every thing put away before he can sleep, and he has even been known to disobey my command ("Get into bed, now.") to keep cleaning. So, now I'm learning to tell them to clean up 5 min. earlier than before so he can have time to clean it the way he likes. He's also a mad-man with the dust-buster under the table! No crumb goes unnoticed. It's great!

Another fun fact about Pedo: I think everyday since we got home from our weekend trip a few weeks ago, he has asked if we can ride a train again. He LOVES choo-choo trains! Even the other day he prayed, "Dear God, please help me obey Mommy and ride choo-choo today. Amen."

Finally, in America when people would first meet our kids, I would help them tell the difference between Peter and Alex by pointing out that Peter has a longer name and longer hair. (That hasn't been so helpful here as Peter and Alex are such abnormal names in this world.) That trick no longer works! My poor son had so much hair, it just had to be cut or buzzed, to be more exact! His little face would get so red just walking to catch a taxi because he'd be so hot. And, to top it off, I often get asked if he is a boy or a girl. So, I decided today is the day! What do you think!?