We are close to one month before your 2nd birthday. Both Mommy and I agree that you are ready to be 2. Let's run down the list of where you're at, shall we?
Physical:
Gross motor--you run, you jump, you climb, you run, you jump, you climb, you get the picture?
you are not a crazy daredevil, but you are not aprehensive about exploring. You love to kick and throw balls. You like to attempt ANYTHING your older brother does, including hitting a baseball. You like to do the stairs big-kid style, reminding me verbally that you can use the railing, and telling me "no" when I offer a hand. You like to ride your bike, but we are feeling that you might be ready for more of a challenge. You frequently mount Max's trike, and we're confident if you could reach both pedals at the same time, you'd be rolling. . .
Fine motor--You like to draw, and just recently you began drawing in circles. You can use a spoon and fork very well, and have been drinking from an open cup for months. You can also manage to insert a wagon into the hitch of a tractor. You can also twist the dial on the retro clock toy that you have enjoyed being able to do all by yourself.
Potty--You have gone on the potty maybe 20 times or so, although you request to go many more times than that. We are in no hurry to make this happen, when ever you are ready. You do want to wear Max's underwear in a big way. A couple of nights ago we put a pair on you over your diaper. You were thrilled.
Verbal:
Your vocabulary is immense, and we find our selves tickled by your use of words. Some humorous ones would be when we ask you a question, you will first respond with "Umm. . .," as if you are pondering the answer. You also will say, "Oh, yeah" One example of this was a couple of weeks ago I was sitting in your and Max's room at bedtime. I got up and went to the bathroom. You began loudly calling my name. I replied that I was going potty. You said, "Oh. Yeah." It's hard not to laugh out loud sometimes. Some more difficult words that you are giving a great effort at spitting out: kangaroo(hang-a-roo), elephant (el-pint), tractor, yogurt, pretzel(beh-bill),outside, wagon, sorry, bunny hiding, stroller, and I'll probably add to this list as I remember more. If I had to guess, I'd probably say you can say well over 200 words. You also will say phrases like, be right back, sit down, lay down, all done, no thank you, have that, some favorite phrases are, mine, no and ouwie. You use the term ouwie for any thing that is happening to your body that you don't like. . .it took us a little bit to figure that one out, but, we've known that now for a couple of months.
Social:
You were described by your teachers as a happy, easy going boy, who has never--never thrown a tantrum. We would sort of agree with this. You are happy--though prone to bring back your old scowl if you're not happy about something. You haven't really thrown a tantrum for us either. I remember that I could mark Max's developement by saying he was challenging from 15-18 months, and when you were this age, not experiencing that. Still now, as you approach 24 months, I would not be able to pinpoint an age range that was particularly challenging. No spikes per say of huge resistance, rather your dial has been set low, but has been consistent for the last few months. You know all of your classmates names, and when you are home will tell us about how Brandon bites. Hmm, so have you on occasion. . . You like to threaten Max with
"the bite" when he doesn't listen to your repeated requests, but actually don't follow through very often.
Affections:
Inside--lately you've been all about tractors and wagons. You enjoy lots of other toys and activities, but this has been consuming most of your playtime as of late.
Outside--Chasing bunnies, Riding your bike, Mowing, digging in the garden, climbing and playing on the gym we have in the backyard, kicking or throwing balls, riding on the swings at the park, going down the slide, and becoming a part of any activity Max has initiated in the back yard.
Food--You eat all fruit excluding raw apples very well. With apples, well, you insist that you can eat it, but end up packing it into your cheeks only later to spit it all back out. The last two weekends we have had sweet corn, and you certainly attempt to eat it with the same technique as I--typewriter style--only with lots of corn left in between. You especially enjoy it when we pseudo-slather it with butter (butah). When all is said and done, we're actually impressed with the amount of corn you actually manage to eat of the cob. You pretty much eat anything we put in front of you, but have to be strategic in the order in which your courses appear. If you've got wind of something better around the corner, you will bail on your current choice and insist on the next. You love ketchup like I love ketchup. You also love hummus--even the batch that I made(which I couldn't believe turned out so well!). You'll ask for pretzels and quickly add the request for dip--which for you is a general term. This summer I would love it if you and your brother would enjoy lots of fresh tomatoes and cukes from the garden.
You don't like it when I leave for work. And sometimes, don't like to be left at school. You have a couple of favorite other people in your life--your cousing Gina (Dahna--pictured above), and our family friend Bethany(pronounced pretty close). One day when Bethany was leaving us, you seriously objected--telling her to sit, and when outside, rumor has it you even pouted. We all thought it was pretty darn cute.
Here you are on the day of your first haircut. It was hard to cut those curls, but it was time. Thankfully, they aren't all gone!!
