The Two's are Coming! The Two's are Coming!

I remember back before I had children when I would say (in my all-knowing, soon-to-be-mama voice), "The terrible two's? They can't be that bad. I'm sure each age has it's difficulties." Uh-huh. Right. For every judgment I ever made about motherhood, Micah has been there to prove that I knew nothing. He is my teacher as I try to learn about this thing called parenthood.

My current lesson is that the terrible two's do exist, and we're getting a preview. For us, this is about testing the limits. Micah wants to be more independent (i.e. NO more highchair) and wants to do more, but gets frustrated easily when he can't communicate what he wants or when we say no when we do understand what he wants (i.e. a cookie for breakfast). When I say no to something, he will either melt down or follow me around for what seems like an hour saying, "MOM! MOM! MOM!! I want it!" I am learning that consistency is very important with Micah and I cannot give in - he knows how to wear us down.

Along with the tantrums and melt-downs, however, is the magic of watching him learn and grow. He is starting to do a lot of imaginative play (making us 'sauce' in his kitchen and bringing us a taste) and LOVES to climb. He also loves play-doh, although he still needs help with that. He is also aware of certain things - such as Starbucks. He knows that if mom gets a special drink, he gets a Horizon milk with a straw. (Micah really, really loves straws.) So, if we pass a Starbuck's, he will point and yell, "MOM! MOM! I want juice!" How's that for brand recognition? :)

His vocabulary is also starting to blossom. Some people questioned why he wasn't talking much, but we really never worried about it. He's 22 months now and has a way of communicating with both words and signs. His favorite thing to say (and he says it first thing when I greet him in the morning) is, "I want snack," while also signing for "eat."

As always, Micah still makes us laugh, a lot. He is a character - loves to be the center of attention, loves to make silly faces and loves to wear things that you wouldn't think of wearing. We think he's pretty amazing, even if the two's are coming.

Typical Micah-face.

Play-doh. It's like magic - stops a tantrum in it's tracks. What cookie? I have play-doh!

His Aunt Alisa taught him that play-doh makes gorgeous necklaces and headpieces.

Yes, that is my contact case. If you lose anything in our house, check Micah's kitchen first - you will probably find it in the microwave or the oven.

This is still making me giggle. Our dog pickle chewed a tiny hole in Micah's blanket that keeps growing (love that dog). Uncle Rob showed him how to wear his blanket, which he now loves to do. He walks around proudly with his blanket flowing behind him.