two

Yesterday Brother turned two. How time flies! He got a few special treats: a trip to our local bookstore and a new book he chose himself, a tiny happy birthday mylar balloon from Grandma, cards in the mail, and a piece of store bought carrot cake (I'm not, after all, Super-Mom) for our tiny, family celebration. We'll have an official celebration late, but for now what we did was just right: special yet not overwhelming.

Right now Brother...

just learned to turn somersaults

loves to jump

(off of raised surfaces as well as just bouncing on the floor)

is pushing (and learning) the limits of his crazy climbing skills

can swing in the big swings and go down the little slides at the park

can throw balls very far

enjoys pillow fights

loves to color--especially with markers

is left handed

is developing a decided preference for his favorite play-doh toys

cooks up all sorts of "food" with the kitchen toys

(the other day it was soup, and this morning it was pizza)

builds towers with blocks but prefers the toy animals

loves to "fix" things with his tools

can make impressive car sound effects

is figuring out the workings of simple puzzles

loves to strum the guitar and play notes on the piano

sings and hums throughout the day

has a few recognizable songs

is putting words into more sentences and phrases all the time

parrots all sorts of things we say

is very careful with his pronunciation

has begun having little conversations on the phone

helps unload the dishwasher

helps measure and mix when I bake

opens the wipe box and throws away diapers at the right times

is learning to put away toys

is learning self-control (no hitting, screaming, pinching, etc.)

is getting better at staying in his big boy bed

adores his blankets and stuffed puppies

is generous with hugs, kisses, and cuddles (to family, at least)

He is growing so quickly and is so full of life and personality that these words seem so bland and flat. Part of me wants to freeze time to enjoy this stage for longer (and perhaps that's what the words are for, bland though they may be), but the future is too exciting to freeze it permanently.

Brother, you bring us so much joy. I can't wait to see how you continue to grow! Happy Birthday.