Little Rascal

I love, love, love my little almost-2 year old!  He is generally so happy and funny--though, I've been told he's pretty serious and reserved around other people.  He developed a new trick of two-footed jumping off a stool onto the ground.  And he love somersaults.  For a not-yet-two year old, I'm impressed!  He's impressed with himself, too. :)

He's fiercely independent--wants to "ahk!" all the way to school and back, instead of riding in a stroller.  He generally complies if we ask nicely, though.  (Waiting for the worst to come still....)

He adores his shadow, which he just discovered.  He adores Camden (who, for some strange reason, he calls "Nate") and Nate (who he also calls Nate), often copying what they do but with his own style.  He loves, loves, loves his Daddy.  He loves a particular stepping stool, rakes, shovels, brooms, mops, and balls.  And phones.

But the kid will not stay in his bed at night!  Aargh!  He'll say, "Stay bed. Tay's bed. Yes, Mommy.  Stay bed."  But, 2 seconds later, he'll be out again, "HAPPY!"  No, mommy is NOT happy. And, when I stay in his room to ensure he stays in bed, he starts telling knock knock jokes.  Well, it's always the same--
M: Knock knock
Me: Who's there? (But I don't say anything during bed time)
M: Door (tiny pause)  KNOCK KNOCK
M: Door (repeat 10 times)

And, despite stern words of, "Be quiet" or "No more" or "All done" or whatever else I say, the other two boys can't help themselves but start to giggle.  And it is just about all I can do to not laugh, despite my wanting to install a seat belt around his bed.

That kid!  

Mckay has a special influence on Camden.  Mckay's hugs are very soothing to Camden, and, luckily, we can usually convince Mckay to share his hugs when Camden or Nate are sad.

And, he has a special hip dance that is so funny.  I'll try and get it on camera, but he's pretty quick about turning off tricks when the camera comes out.

I think everyone should take toddlers on walks at some point.  It is so funny!  He'll be running full speed and then stop abruptly to admire his shadow, point at a flower, or hug a tree (literally).  Sometimes he lays flat on his tummy in the middle of the sidewalk (imitating his big brothers' game of camouflage). Sometimes, he spreads his legs wide apart and puts his hands on his hips--something of a super hero stance.  Sometimes he says, "backwards" and walks backward.