Wednesday, July 15, 2009

Twos

We have heard many of the stories on what to expect when your toddler/preschooler turns 2 - "The Terrible Twos". Up until this point, things have been relatively smooth. Sure, we see some tantrums, the shaking of the finger with some babbling with it, the constant "No" when told to do something, etc. I just chalk all of those things up to Thomas asserting his independence.

Some of the better developments (as a 2 year old) in the recent weeks/days that Thomas has amazed us with are:
  • he is finally strong enough & coordinated enough to pedal on his big wheels - thank goodness because our nightly walks with Ziggy were really starting to drag on.
  • he has just started "singing." In all truth, I have no idea what he is singing - Brian and I just look at each other & chuckle, but it really is cute.
  • he has figured out that if you count, "1, 2, 3, 4, 5, " and then say "GO!" you can race someone. He loves to race either Brian or me on our walks (no laughing... yes, I attempt to run/job). I let him win though. He is becoming quite the runner... again, how much better coordinated he is now is pretty neat.
  • The coordinated effort to cast the rod/reel and then turn the reel pretty quickly to get the fish up.
  • Wanting to cuddle first thing in the morning when we come into his room; he wants you to lay down sometimes so he can wrap his arms around you while you both lay there and whisper to each other - see... he is sweet!

Some of the less appealing or down-right annoying/frustrating developments (as a 2 year old) in the recent weeks/days that Thomas has thrown at us are:

  • refusing to help put away his toys on certain nights
  • yelling at the top of his lungs for either "Mama sit" or "No Mama No" (insert Daddy into either of those phrases also)
  • total meltdowns for no apparent reason - but I guess he was frustrated about something
  • pushing you away one moment and then wanting/needing a kiss or hug and being "lovey dovey" the next.

There you have it - our perfect toddler is not perfect. Of course neither are we. I just hope that we make many more good decisions rather than bad decisions when it comes to teaching him manners, what is right/wrong, that there are rules, how to be caring & loving, responsibility, morals and showing respect toward others. Hmmm... no instruction booklet. We are certainly trying.

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