"Joe"

"Joe" is Alex's new favorite word!

This started over the weekend. Joe over heard Alex calling him by his name a few times. I tried not to laugh, but it was so cute. Later we talked, and Joe asked me not to use his name anymore. We also agreed that I would try not to laugh, and Joe would not answer to Alex calling him by his name. Some times we correct him and say "not Joe, Dada".

By Saturday afternoon Alex was really getting a feel for his new word. When we went into wake Joe up from his nap, Alex walked right up to the side of the bed and said "Hi Joe". I could not help but crack up! It's so hard not to laugh.

Later we think we found the reason why Alex picked up on Joe's name so fast. Apparently I call out for Joe a lot! Like in the morning before Alex and I leave, I will yell into the bedroom "Joe, we are leaving". Then he will come out and say goodbye to us.

Monday morning as I was changing Alex and getting him ready for the day he said "dada". I told him that dada was still night night, so Alex turned toward the bedroom door and yelled "JOE". This time I didn't laugh, but called out "DADA" instead.

Then at work Alex pointed to my phone and said "Joe". So the two year old looked at Alex and said "no Joe, dada". I thought it was so cute that even the other kids are trying to help!

Without getting too deep, I think I understand Joe's feeling for wanting Alex not to call him Joe, but to call him dada (or dad). As adoptive parents, I think we look for that reassurance that our children know us as their parents. It can be heart breaking to think that they see us as anything other than their "mom and dad". Surly Alex does not think that, but the thought is there for us. Not to mention, one of Joe's biggest fears is that Alex will be 18 and leave us to go seek out a prenatal relationship with his birth parents. He will always know who they are, and where they are (as long as we know), but that fear is still there!

On a lighter note, Alex also added "ut oh" to his list of words this week!