I'm twenty months going on two years. The terrible twos have made their appearance and the tantrums are fierce!
Development:
I had a language explosion and have started saying so many new words. Sometimes I only have to hear a new word once and I can repeat it and know what it means. My latest words include: box, mess, draw, airplane, baby, open, eyes, mouth, teeth, cup, cracker, fish, yes, please, vest.
Although I've been able to communicate better, there are still times when I can't use my words and need to express myself physically, which unfortunately has led to hitting. This often happens when I'm fighting over a toy with Kaitlyn. One time I even resorted to biting. At Little Wonders I was fighting with another girl for a toy and ended up biting her so hard, I broke her skin. Mommy had no idea I had that in me!
I've become much more independent and insist on doing everything myself. Whenever going out, Mommy or Daddy used to carry me out the front door and to the car, but now I will wriggle out of their arms, and walk out the door, down the steps, and to the car all by myself. I get angry when they don't let me!
Kaitlyn never really threw tantrums so this is all new to Mommy and Daddy. I'm very persistent and can get so fixated on certain things, that I won't give up until I get it. This one time, I wanted to play with Mommy's lip balm so badly that I threw the hugest tantrum yet. I didn't know the word for lip balm, but I know to smack my lips together whenever it was applied, so I screamed and cried, stopping every now and then to smack my lips, then back to screaming/crying. For over half an hour. It was sad and funny at the same time.
I continue to climb everything as usual. Mommy bought a used learning tower thinking I would enjoy "helping" her in the kitchen while she cooks. Instead I see it as a new jungle gym and am always climbing it and swinging from the beams.
New interests:
Compared to last month, I'm much more interested in what's on the TV or iPad. I recently discovered Elmo and am hooked. I can watch whole episodes of
Elmo's World on the iPad without moving. It's been a great distraction for diaper changes and getting into the car seat. Also great for early morning wakeups when Mommy can just put me on the couch, turn on Elmo and snooze right next to me.
Play-wise, I love throwing and bouncing balls of all kinds. I also love any kind of ride-on toy. Recent favorites have been the push-tricycle that I ride to the park, and trying to ride Kaitlyn's scooter.
Thanks to day care, I've taken a huge interest in the alphabet. We see and repeat the letters, then sing the alphabet song every morning after breakfast. I always get excited when I see signs or anything with writing on it and will shout out random letters as I point at them.
Disposition:
I'm a momma's boy and always want to be near her if she's around. She's the first person I ask for in the mornings and I get upset if she's not the one giving me the bath or putting me down (I'll settle with Daddy but I always put up a fight first). Any time Mommy sits on the floor I'll use her as a chair to read books or watch tv. I get jealous when I see Kaitlyn sitting in her lap and will try to push Kaitlyn away or even hit her. I can be tough but I just want to be loved!
Likes: Bouncing (on beds, couches, anything), playgrounds
Dislikes: Diaper changes as always, getting out of the bath, getting into the carseat
