Minnesota Barlows: Brooks is 5!

Happy 5th Birthday, Brooksie Boy!

I still can't believe that Brooks turned 5 this year and that he'll start kindergarten in the fall. He still seems like my little baby boy. He's growing up so quickly, and really becoming a kind-hearted, funny little man. He is a shy guy, who is working hard to become less anxious in new situations. Moving and starting a new preschool this fall was a bit of a challenge, but he overcame the nerves and is now thriving! He is very sweet and loves to play with his big sister and love on his baby sister. He feels terrible if he thinks that he hurt either of them in any way. He does not like to be the center of attention, but likes to tell jokes. He LOVES animals and I won't be surprised it he does something with animals when he grows up. We love this big eyed, animal obsessed little boy more than words can describe!

Here are some of his favorite things:

Favorite color: red

Favorite animal: aye aye and philippine tarsier

Favorite TV show: Wild Kratts and Ninja Turtles

Favorite food: watermelon

Favorite toy: EZ Rider

Favorite lunch: PB and honey sandwich

Favorite outfit: Spiderman shirt

Favorite snack: goldfish

Favorite song: Ninja Turtles theme song

Favorite book: Animal Encyclopedia

Best friend: Bennett

Favorite holiday: Christmas

Favorite season: summer

Favorite sport: wrestling

Favorite thing to do outside: play in the snow

Favorite thing to do at school: play

What do you want to be when you grow up? Ninja

Some more of his favorite things include...playing with Kylie (he'll do anything she asks him to do), building with lincoln logs, learning about animals, watching TV shows about animals, reading books, doing science experiments, hanging out with Jon, running, wrestling, swimming, exploring in the woods, playing in the snow, all kinds of fruits, peanut butter and nutella, exercising with Jon or me, and visiting his cousins!

A few things that he dislikes...new social situations, playing alone, being told no, admitting he was wrong, saying sorry, practicing things that are hard (like reading), picking up his toys, corn (he still has a true aversion), nightmares, wearing pajamas, taking showers, swimming without goggles, and disappointing anyone.

As far as milestones go, Brooks has learned all of his letters, though he is still working on about half of the letter sounds. He can count to 100 with a little help. He writes his name well, except the S is usually sideways or backwards. He can do some very basic addition. He is finally becoming more self-sufficient and can brush his teeth, get dressed, put on all of his outerwear, and get himself water. It's hard to tell, but I think he is fairly athletic. He seems pretty strong, and can do push ups, sit ups, and supermans. He likes to wrestle, and works hard to not get stuck on his back. He is a fast runner, and can ride a bike without training wheels. He can skip, gallop, balance on one leg, and hop on one leg. He can write holding a pencil correctly, and cut with a scissors. He can really focus on activities if it is something that interests him. His preschool teachers told me that he is a rule follower, doesn't like to get into trouble, and often raises his hand to answer questions!

Brooks had his yearly well child check up in December. He weighed exactly 40 pounds (47th percentile), and finally moved up to a big boy booster car seat! He was 43 inches tall (59th percentile). Brooks wears 5T clothes, and size 10 shoes.

We love you, Brooks King Barlow!