Alex

God has moved in mighty ways in the past year in Alex's favor. First, he got new full time caregivers who love him. He actually got a birth certificate FINALLY. We found out when his real birthday is and how old he really is once the government finally produced some documents for the orphan without a birthday. Last summer, I used to just try and guess his age and what behavior standards I should be expecting from him. My guess was that he was around 4 or 5 years old. Well he actually turns 5 in October. As a result of finally obtaining a birth certificate - he was able to move up a year in school and be with kids his actual age. He can now legally enter kindergarten and doesn't have to go to pre-school with 3 year olds AGAIN for a 3rd year in a row. He knows all his colors, numbers and is very good at counting. And for the first time in 2 years - he now has contact and visits from his biological family members. I praise God for all he is doing to change Alex's life.

Last summer, Alex and Marcos were enemies and fought constantly. I think Marcos was really trying to get Alex to like him but every attempt Marcos ever made only annoyed Alex further. But something clicked and now they are best friends and I call them "double trouble." They love to play dress up and pretend to be superheroes - Batman, Superman, Spiderman, Ironman - they think all of those people all day long. Alex loves to put on costumes. If I put him in normal play clothes, he will always change out of them and into something silly whether I like it or not.

Alex used to have problems with hoarding things. Whenever a toy was introduced to him or his dorm, he would try his best to hide it immediately for later use. I used to catch him trying to hide toys inside the couch in his dorm. He'd try to put so many things in his personal drawer that you couldn't close it. The things he used to steal from his pre-school last year were hilarious to me. His backpack was always really heavy and full of playdoh or legos which I would later realize that he had stolen. A solid year later though, Alex understands that no one will steal his toys and that it's okay to share and trust others. And we refuse to send him to school with a backpack anymore which is probably better.

Alex now loves to sit and listen to stories. Some of his favorites are Eric Carle's The Very Busy Spider, Eric Carle's From Head to Toe, There was an Old Monster and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom.

Alex you are a funny little man. In the past year alone, I've pulled gum out of your hair at least 10 times. You are very lucky to have big brothers who love you very much. This October will be the first time anyone has ever celebrated your real birthday. I'm pretty sure that it'll be the biggest birthday party any 5 year old at Douglas has ever seen. So get ready. Perhaps we could make a life-sized Spiderman for you out of playdoh?