Shopping With Alex

Alex doesn't like being in pictures. He usually tries his hardest to avoid being in the photo at all, or he will purposely put a frown or non-smile on his face (see the last post on my Christmas Card Photo Shoot). This is a constant source of frustration to me. Here in this photo he is in the process of trying to run away from me and my camera. Look at him, he's smiling here and enjoying it! This is the only picture that came out somewhat sharp. the others were blurry. The lighting is also horrible, but beggars can't be choosers.

He is like Anthony in that he tells me he has outgrown his clothing when he has already outgrown his clothing--meaning I have to rush out and get more clothing soon. He won't go with me to get new clothes unless he has to. On Saturday, we were returning home from Wurstfest when he informed me that he needed new jeans. I had recently given him some of Anthony's old jeans (size 14) but they were still too big and his "old' size 12 jeans were too short. Because the Gap was having a 40% off sale on Saturday only, I dragged myself (and him) back out of the house to the mall to get him some clothes, even though I was exhausted from the day's activities.

Luckily, the size 12 jeans at the Gap fit him with a little room to grow (adjustable waist pulled in and the length still a little long). I don't really understand why the different types of jeans (loose, straight, etc.) are all different prices. In any case, we got three pairs. After he tried on all the jeans (he is not fast when he tries on garments), he wanted to look at the shirts and hoodies. He tried on another five or so shirts and finally bought the one he is wearing in this photo. The hoodie he is wearing is Anthony's old hoodie that he wore in 8th grade.

Once Alex gets started, he actually seems to enjoy shopping for clothes. Anthony, on the other hand, goes for the jeans or whatever we're shopping for, and nothing else. Anthony will remember on a subsequent day that he needs shirts too. At least Alex gets it all taken care of in one trip. So, we should be good until the next growth spurt--which could be tomorrow.