Territorial Markings

Did you know that males from different animal species do something called "territorial marking" in which they "stake claim" to a particular space, area, or object? Most commonly this is accomplished by depositing strong scented chemicals such as urine at prominent locations within the territory. (The pee around the toilet doesn't count.) I have one of these creatures living in my home. Thank heaven and earth and all the saints that he does not use the afore mentioned chemical to accomplish this, but rather a crayon, pencil, or marker. Please scroll down for some examples.

Here we have Caleb letting everyone know that he likes the back of the bathroom door and that he would like to add it to his list of possessions.

And here we have Caleb staking his claim on Emma's fairy Barbie doll, much to the dismay and horror of Emma.
Apparently he think my pick is his too. Or at least it is now, according to him. It's a good thing he wrote "Caleb A." so I didn't get him confused with the other "Caleb" who is writing his name all over my home.
Ah.... and here we have Caleb letting us all know that the ceiling in Morgan's room belongs to him. I have no idea why he wants Morgan's ceiling, but apparently he does. I know there are some of you wondering, "How did Caleb get up there to write his name?" My answer: I have no idea.
Luckily I have not yet seen any markings on my socks, probably because black crayon or pen just doesn't do the job on the fuzzy fabric, but he may as well mark these too. These are his favorite socks. Yes, they are MY fuzzy, purple, softy, cozy socks that I bought for myself over the winter months to keep my feet warm in the evenings. Caleb got one sight of them, put them on his feet, pulled them up to his thighs, and I haven't been able to wear them since. He grabs them out of my drawer the second I wash them, and they are on him again. He even sleeps with them. And as I sit here typing this, guess what he is wearing? You guessed it. Actually he is only wearing ONE, and he has put both his feet into it, because he can't find the other one.
Aside from all the markings all my house, I really do love this little kid. He is so kind and sweet and adores making his sisters scream. I love to hear him sing, see him play, and love those burping contests we have after sharing some soda pop. (He kills me at it.)
p.s. He's playing "Fashion Barbie Show" here with little Emma; designing outfits, choosing fabrics, selecting color schemes and the works. I know he would rather be playing Tony Hawk or Pirates of the Caribbean, but he's just as content to play this with Emma. And I love him for it.

"Sometimes being a brother is better than being a super hero."