Ball of Energy

John Alexander...named after my late grandfather, resembling my side of the family, and aka my Ball of Energy. I've mentioned before that Alex is my wild child, something I suspected he would one day be as he endlessly kicked, punched, and flipped around in my belly. When he was born, even the nurses commented on his ear piercing screams and grandiose movements, calling his debut one of the loudest parties they'd ever heard.

And on the 24th of this month, that wild little baby became my very active 3-year old.

While scrolling through pictures to include in this post about him, I came across many that capture the facets of his personality. So many words come to mind when I think of Alex: energetic, athletic, intelligent, cute, adorable, funny, sweet, loving, silly, and determined, to name a few.

He's Mr. Independent. He can do it all by himself! He also wants to do whatever his big brother is doing, which is part of the reason he initiated potty training and was completely trained by the time he was 2-1/2.

He loves to run, in the house and out of it. He loves the outdoors.






He loves sports. Baseball is his current favorite and he has even requested a baseball themed birthday party. (Thanks to Aunt Tricia for these backyard baseball pics!)




(Is this a happy kid or what?)


He loves to ride his scooter. He loves to ride his bike, and has become pretty fantastic at pedaling. Only occasionally does he need "a wittle push".




It sure can be a pain when you're forced to take breaks. At least keeping the helmet on means you can immediately resume your favorite activities.


He loves pretending to be a superhero. Sometimes he can get a little too wild during his play. I'm sure Jeff would attest to this seeing as he's endured many a punch to the ol' crotch area courtesy of Alex.

He loves dressing up in costumes. He loves playing with action figures (Spiderman and Power Rangers are currently the most popular.) He loves to draw. He loves to paint. He loves Play-Doh. He loves to do activities. Sometimes wildly


and sometimes fully engrossed by the task at hand. (I think he has the same Concentration Face as I do.)


He loves to be silly (something that is definitely encouraged in this house).

This picture is out of focus, but I love the way he's looking at me. Plus, you should always include at least one up the nose shot of yourself.


Basically, boredom is the absolute enemy.

With so much energy, it can be quite difficult for him to stay still. Even in his sleep, he rolls around and bounces off his side rails like a human pinball machine.



And even eating does not guarantee that he will remain seated. Consume calories while burning them seems to be his motto. Yes, these pics were actually taken while he was eating.




And if you want to take a picture of him?? Either prepare yourself mentally for motion blur or if you're looking for a posed, look-at-the-camera-with-a-genuine-smile-and-don't-move shot, then stock up on patience beforehand.

How dare I make him lie down on "prickly" grass for several minutes?! The horror! Posing for pictures is just brutal.


Yea, yea, I see your camera, but there are too many other fascinating things to look at out here.


His face is just as active as his body. He has some of the most animated expressions that range from big, silly smiles to pouts that are supposed to be mean, but look more humorous.





He has a big personality and is full of life and energy. But running around and jumping off furniture isn't all he thinks about. He also has a big heart. He loves his family. And absolutely adores his brothers.






Sometimes Mommy needs some of that affection he doles out so willingly to his brothers. When I ask for a kiss, this is the face that approaches my lips.


And it reminds me of the fishy kiss face he made when he was 18 months old.


I can clearly remember that fishy face I loved, yet it seems like ages ago. There are fewer and fewer glimpses of the little baby he used to be, and instead, more of the big boy he's growing into. Which, as every parent knows, is both sad and wonderful at the same time.





How old are you now, Alex?


Yep. Three.


I can't believe he's three years old. And starting preschool next month! Time is racing by. And because of that, when my wild child does take time to settle down, and asks, "Mommy, do you wanna sit on the couch with me?", I'm there in a heartbeat. I soak up all of the snuggling he'll give me because those moments don't come around too often. So while I can, I'm grabbing a hold of his hand, covering his face in kisses, and hugging him a little tighter...and a little longer.

Lately, Alex frequently approaches me and asks, "Know what, Mommy?"
Me: "What, Alex?"
Alex: "I yuv you."

Know what, Alex? I love you too. Happy Birthday, my favorite little 3-year old.