Again life seems to keep getting in the way of computer time. I started this post back on July 2nd and just was waiting to get the pictures uploaded until now. Hopefully I can get all the draft posts updated before the blog needs another update.
Stats: 26 pounds (20%) and 32 inches (50%). He's wearing mostly 18 month tops with the occasional 18-24 month/2T every now and again. The 12-18 month shorts finally almost fit and he's wearing some Sam/Nate hand-me-downs that are 2T that fit only because they have an adjustable waist that is drawn all the way in. He wears a 6 shoe and size four diapers.
Conversations: We've lost count of how many words he can say now and he basically will copy anything he hears. Probably his favorite word is "Wow" and it punctuates the end of at least fifty percent of his conversations. We still have moments when we can't understand him and when we do finally figure it out, he always responds with "Oh" probably mimicking us whenever we finally do get it. About a week before his second birthday he started stringing sentences together like he's been doing it his whole life. While most of his sentences start with "I wanna....." he also likes to talk about himself in third person. We hear a lot of "Joshy running" "Joshy jumping" etc. He'll also participate in a back and forth conversation now. For example, I can ask him when I get home what he and daddy did that day and he'll say "play". Then if I say what did you play with he'll answer "pool", "blue swing" etc.
Accomplishments: He is doing great with a lot of his motor skills and is always on the go. He does great with building block towers, using a fork and spoon easily, putting balls into the hoop, running, jumping and going up and down the stairs. Probably the bigger things we notice though are his understanding of more abstract concepts and how attentive he is to whats's going on around him. He can count to ten forwards and backwards, recognizes almost all the letters of the alphabet and most colors. We switched him around to forward facing in his car seat and now all of our car rides are accompanied by a running commentary on what's going on outside the car - The cows say moo, there's a big truck, the light is red etc. It's amazing how much of the world he's been paying attention too all this time.
Attitude: While his enthusiasm and joy for life continues, we definitely have our share of toddler meltdowns when he doesn't think things are going his way. We're working on having him try to communicate with words but you can sense his frustration when we obviously just don't get it. He's very into feelings lately and will spontaneously burst out with "Joshy so happy" "Mama so happy" "Sadie so happy" etc. until he's covered everyone in the room. Of course he always gets great reinforcement for this so he quickly switched tunes by starting with "Joshy so sad" and then when you ask him why he is sad, he'll quickly correct you and say "No, Joshy so happy".
Transitions/Milestones: Probably the biggest milestone we've all had these last few months is learning that come Christmas time, Josh is going to be a big brother. I'm sure he doesn't really get the concept yet but we're excited for our new addition and to see how J adapts to his new role.
Favorite Toys and Games: Right now he loves pretty much anything that lets him be outside. The baby pool in the backyard, the blue swing on his new swing set and the water hose for the garden are all high on his list.
Things we love: The fact that he now will have a conversation with you is so fun and you can just continue to see his personality develop. Watching how observent he is and how much he understands all the little day to day life things around him keeps the whole world in perspective and keeps you wondering what he'll do next. Of course the "love you too, mama" sentiments just make you want to stop time altogether.
