James Lately

Well he's certainly two.  But as far as two year olds go he's a pretty good one.  The changes would probably only be notable to someone who is close to him all the time...like me.  Some are good, some not so much but we'll focus on the positive here ;).

He's really starting to talk a lot.  Most of the time he's "parroting", just regurgitating what we say or what he hears on shows but sometimes he surprises me.  Just this morning while getting ready he was playing with Dan's Nerf gun and shot me in the leg, after which he said proudly, "I got you, huh Mama."  I was more surprised by the sentence than the foam dart! 

He has rediscovered the joys of being outside.  We've had some very warm weather lately and it seems a shame not to enjoy it, so his love for parks and garden hoses has been rekindled.  He's also discovered that going outside can mean a possible rendevouz with the neighbors, which he enjoys immensely.   We've been blessed with some great neighbors, and thankfully they seem glad to recieve him even uninvited.     

James is really, REALLY, into Star Wars.  He has some little figures he got for his birthday and they are they center of most of his play.  He completed his set with Chewbacca and Han Solo in his Easter Basket today which was very exciting.   And anyone who is willing to play lightsabers with him is an instant friend.  He gets to watch the movies on the weekends with Daddy which is a special treat.  (anybody know which episode this is?)

Ah, food.  While we still have some picky eating challenges we've gained some ground here.  Most of all, he has learned to accept bribes.  Ice cream cones, candy and cupcakes work well, but he'll also accept biscuits and jam or popsicles when the stakes aren't as high.  Quite often when I give him something he'll ask for "pieces", sometimes that helps him eat too.  He's moved on from flatly refusing new things to sticking his tongue out to lick it.  The end result is still rejection most of the time, but we're closer than we used to be!

He's learning to do more and more things by himself, which makes me proud and sad at the same time.  I know I need him to be more independent, especially with #2 on the way but sometimes it's hard to let go of the things that made him seem like my baby instead of my little boy.  And lets face it, there are some things that make life more difficult (like opening doors, thankfully the doors to outside are still too difficult, but watch out craft room!)  But all in all he's still a very happy and obedient boy.  He brightens our days!