JB is Two Years + 2 Months Old

As we get further into the twos, I can see why they're sometimes called "terrible". Toddlers can be tough!  But there is also so much energy, excitement and fun that comes with this age - it balances it all out.  And I believe the "terribleness" (and, really, it's not that terrible) is all part of these little guys learning and growing up.  Here's a glimpse of little two year old James Benjamin this month -

JB has become so, so independent.  We hear "me" all day long, indicating that he wants to do something himself.  Some things he can do (like taking off his clothes), and some things he's not quite ready to do, despite what he thinks (like putting on his clothes).  However, not letting JB at least try to do whatever it is he wants to do will result in a fall-on-the-floor tantrum.  Selecting JB's cheese stick, cracker, or banana for him will result in shrieks - and you better be prepared to eat whatever you selected, because he's going to need to pick out his own to eat.  Do we cater to this?  Yes, yes we do…  Keeps the peace.  :)

JB also wants to tell others what to do - quite the little leader!  He bosses around the animals ("no no, woof woof! No, no, meow meow!"), silences us when we try to perform a song with him, and demands that friends/family who come over sit on a certain part of the floor or go in certain rooms - wherever he says.  Skipping a page in a book is a punishable offense in this house, and JB enforces this one (even requesting you read the intro page of a book.)  He has pushed other kids a couple of times to get his way (yikes!!)  Not a good thing and sends me running to the toddler behavior books for advice.

He's also a big sweetheart - loooooooooves his Sissy and is so very sweet with her.  JB has started to tickle her, and can make her smile and giggle.  It melts my heart!  He wants to give hugs and kisses goodbye, and also bows his head and folds his hands for meal time prayers.  He has two little lady friends at the moment: Molly and Isla.  Those two are best friends, and JB has joined their pack.  (I still think he's sweetest on Isla, though - the look on his face when he speaks of her...)

Some other things that rock JB's world right now:

• Any song with hand motions (he's got some moves)
• Taking baths with his Sissy
• Opposites (you say "up" and he yells "DOWN!", etc)
• Sticking his arms through the neck hole of his shirt (he thinks this is so funny)
• Blippi on  YouTube
• Eating: Trader Joe's fig bars, broccoli, cheese, eggs, boiled peanuts
• Reading: Pout Pout Fish, Little Blue Truck, If You Give a Cat a Cupcake, Caps for Sale, Marvin K Mooney Will You Please Go Now!
• Playing: with his BFF Mac

Love you little guy!  Even though you are such a toddler some days, I am still relishing that we have 10 more months of you being two.  :)