Latest on Jolon

May 10, (3 years and 6 months old)

Since America Jolon has done very well at falling asleep by himself in his room. He’ll often come out a few times after book and bath and try to talk to us or insist he needs more water, but usually he goes to sleep pretty quickly around 9:00. I can’t remember the last time he wet the bed. He will sometimes get up and use the plastic toilet in his room but most nights he can make it all night and then runs to the toilet first thing in the morning. Way to go, Jolon. You made life a whole lot easier for us.

He seems to do very well with Kellan getting more attention than him when we’re out. It’s not uncommon for people to stop the stroller and coo at Kellan. It’s not that he gets completely overlooked, but people are generally much more interested in Kellan. In this situation if he reacts at all, rather than doing something wild or aggressive for attention, he’s much more likely to rub Kellan’s head or do something sweet to Kellan to prove he’s a good big brother.

Having said that, around the house Jolon can get himself into a state where he is seriously hyperactive. He can be so rough with Kellan; running through the house, throwing things, jumping on pillows. We have to work very hard to find activities to keep him occupied so he doesn’t tear the apt. to pieces. He won’t let me keep Kellan in another room and play by himself but if Kellan is with him then any quiet game such as blocks or cards or puzzles is nearly impossible with Kellan around. There are definitely days and evenings when I wish we had a big tv! Occasionally he watches things on the computer but not often.

His Japanese is getting better and better and he’s very sociable. It’s been lovely recently at the park to see him go up to kids his age and initiate activities. For example, he met a boy last weekend by picking up the boy’s ball and bat and asking if he could use them. Of course the boy (stunned that this little blond kid was speaking Japanese) said yes and then followed Jolon to see what he was going to do. The next thing I knew, the boy’s Mom was pitching to Jolon while the boy fielded. It’s a neat situation because moms are usually quite happy to have their child interacting with a foreign child so they are happy to supervise, and it gives me a good chance to spend time with Kellan who is now trying to climb all over the playground equipment, just like his brother.