Luigi Turns 3

It seems like only three years ago that our youngest son Luigi (not his real name) entered the world. Actually, it was three years this past weekend. So all of the stereotypes of a third child is true. For our first child (The Moose), we got a mobile and another musical contraption for the crib. We were super conscious of cleanliness, especially if we ate out. The diaper bag was filled with everything that we might possibly need and much, much more. Meanwhile, Luigi never had anything attached to the crib. Much of his wardrobe consists of clothing that his brothers wore. And I think we apply the 5-second rule if he drops food on the floor. Well, maybe it's closer to the 15-second rule.

The school year starts today with all five of us at home. My wife can't be interrupted for her job, so she's basically locked away in a room. I'll make sure that The Moose and Pedro Tulo are online and doing what they're supposed to be doing for 4th grade and 1st grade. I also need to do some work during this time, though based on the last few weeks, I already know that I'll do much of my work early in the morning and after the kids go to sleep. I guess I'll try to sleep at some point. Anyway, I joke that while Luigi will be home with us, he'll just fend for himself. I'm only partially joking though as I fully expect that there will be plenty of times when I just hand him some cars or toys and let him entertain himself. Third kid!

Luigi is adorable and incredibly sweet. He has a smile and laugh that makes you melt. I'm biased in writing that he's cute, but he is, and I think he knows it. He's also spoiled. He generally gets what he wants but often has meltdowns when he doesn't. The meltdowns are usually over silly things too. Like opening his applesauce when he wanted to open it. Much of the time, it's when his brothers are using a toy or something that he wants. I'll admit that I just let him go all out during many of these meltdowns. He usually stops after 5 or 10 or 15 or 20 minutes or so. I feel like it's my responsibility to let him know that he can have what he wants but within reason. And if he's being unreasonable, I'm going to let him be mad. Of course, he's 3, so he doesn't think he's ever in the wrong.

What else can I write about Luigi? He has no interest in starting potty training. He also hasn't had a nap since he last attended preschool in early March. For most of the summer, he's gone to sleep after 9:00PM, but won't wake up until around 9:00AM. A few weeks ago, he woke up at 6:00AM or so and didn't fall back asleep. At dinner, he was exhausted and put his head down on my lap. 

I was worried that he still had food in his mouth, so I asked him about this, he smiled, opened his mouth and said "ahhhh," and then promptly fell asleep. He slept for probably an hour and a half, so he had no interest in sleeping when we tried to put him to bed. We thought that perhaps a change of scenery would help him fall asleep, and this was the result.

When he smiles and/or laughs, you just can't get mad at him. Luigi loves his brothers and Ziggy, and we all love him too. Happy 3rd Birthday, Luigi!