While a lot of toddlers we know seem to be
developing friendships, Lex has remained a bit of a loner. We
had an odd experience at the playground last week that I’ve
been meaning to blog about. We went to a kid show in the park
at lunch time with Michelle and kids, then stopped at the
playground for a few minutes. It was nap time, but I thought
we’d be ok. When we got to the playground there was a very friendly 3yr
old girl there. She gave Eve a big hug, and gave Dylan a big
hug, almost climbed into the stroller to give Caitlin a big
hug, then she got to Lex, who was sitting in our stroller. She
said hello and started to hug him, but he dropped his head down
and started crying! It was sad. I pulled him out and cuddled
him and chalked the whole thing up to a nap time situation.
Dylan, this girl, and another little girl then walked around
holding hands (Dylan is smooth!) and playing
ring-around-the-rosey. Lex kept his distance, but watched them
carefully. At one point he settled himself into the base of a
tree and just watched them. I went over to talk to him and I
offered to help him play with them or something, but he said he
just wanted to watch. It was a little weird and I felt a little
bad for him, but I know he’s an introvert and I expect more of
the same as he grows up.

Anyway, all this to tell you a story
about today :) We went outside this afternoon to fill up the
pool and do some swimming in icy cold hose water. On the way
out Lex asked if Parrish could swim with him. I was surprised
by the question and told him we could definitely go ask. When
we are outside Parrish often runs over to play but Lex always
seems a bit indifferent, so I was surprised to hear him
requesting it. So we went over to Parrish’s house and Lex
walked right up on the porch, but refused the knock, instead
deciding to crawl up on their ledge and peek in the window.
Hm… we’ll have to work on that. Anyway, the dog made our
presence known and Parrish’s dad came to the door. Lex wouldn’t
talk to him, so I asked. They were heading out and couldn’t
swim, but said maybe a little later. So we ended up staying
outside for two hours, playing in the pool and waiting for
Parrish. Lex kept saying, “will Parrish come play with me now?”
It was so cute. They came home after awhile but Parrish was
sleeping and Lex could see him napping in the car and was
confused as to why he wouldn’t just wake up and come play. We
went in a few times (diaper changes, etc.) and each time Lex
insisted we go back out quickly because Parrish is going to
come play. I felt so bad for him because Parrish never came out
to play. I think it’s the first time he’s requested a play date
and it didn’t work out. It was sad, but there will be plenty
more days and lots of time to play.

As the pool drained into the lawn
Lex helped me scoop water out with buckets to water the
gardens. I initially gave him a watering can to use, but he
wanted my 3 gallon bucket (which he couldn’t even begin to
move!) so we compromised on the little purple bucket. After
about three trips he said “Mommy, this bucket is very heavy!”
and switched back to the watering can. He was a very good
helper though!