33 months

This is another belated monthly post.  I'm slowly getting back into the swing of things here in Belleville and hope to get all caught up on Christmas posts and other things, before we really jump into things for this new year.

It has been another full and busy month for us.  We spent most of it up in MA thanks to Dexter's longer-than-expected vacation.  Kyalo loves being with Grandma and Grandpa, and can never get enough of them.  And Dexter and I are quite happy to let them take center stage.  :)

We got to the doctor today for the first time since May. Kyalo is now 35 inches and 29.4 pounds. Quick story.  The nurse who measured Kyalo had him stand in front of the measuring tape and then quickly declared him to be 36 inches.  She didn't put her hand on his head, to make sure that was accurate.  I could see, just by looking that there was no way it was right. So I did that, and determined him to be 35 inches.  His hair just adds an inch or two!  Still, he's grown over two inches since May. I have no idea if that's 'enough' but it makes me happy.  

He continues to be a sweet, loving boy, who loves to draw, paint, do stickers, etc.  Grandma got him this awesome IKEA table and chair set for Christmas and we're putting it to good use.  Got to let the genius come out some how.

Still, we have our challenges.  He is obstinate, strong-willed, defiant.  It can sometimes take an HOUR to get him undressed/dressed for the day.  He thinks it is really really funny to run away from me after an article of clothing is on.  This is going to be extra fun now that we're in the coldest winter ever and he's wearing tons of clothes.  The other night, he took two bites of dinner, said, 'I'm done,' and then dumped it on the ground.   Naturally, he went to bed without any more food.

I assume most of this is typical toddler behavior, and that he'll grow out of it. He's testing limits and boundaries, or can't communicate fully for things yet.  But boy, when I'm tired, or worn out, it can truly be the end of me.  

And then, just when I think I'm at the end of it, ready to put him on the curb, he'll do something so remarkably sweet that I decide to hang on to him another day.  Yesterday, he said to me -- without any prompting, asking, prodding, or expectation from me -- 'Mommy, I love you so much. So, so much.' Today he gave me a tight, long hug for no apparent reason.  He's really stacking up points!!

He had a great time in Essex.  Grandpa let him do all kinds of fun things in the kitchen, things that I just don't have the patience for yet.  There was shredding cheese, and (carefully) cutting things.  Helping make an omlete, etc.  Do you see his happiness here?

I have friends who have their toddlers helping in the kitchen, so I guess I need to jump on board.  He can do more than stir flour.  It is just a matter of me enduring how s l o w the process becomes.

We gave it a try when we came back, and he made his first scrambled eggs.

joy

Another thing Kyalo is loving these days is puzzles. Sirisha gave all the kids a box with 5 big puzzles at our little holiday gathering last month.  They have gotten endless use already.  The only problem is that Kyalo generally needs one of us to be there with him to 'help' him.  This was another thing Dexter and I were happy to pass off to Grandpa while we were on vacation.

working hard.  

Hercules kept Grandpa home Friday morning - thanks Hercules!

Hard to believe that we're a mere three months away from Kyalo being three.  I think this year I will try to do a little something (party?) for him since we'll be moving so soon after his birthday (most likely).  Plus, he spent his entire bath last night singing, "Happy Birthday, Dear Kyalo," so I think he's primed and ready to go for a party!