Evelyn By 21 Months

After the May stomach virus, I took the bottle away

And, then a few weeks later, I insisted that we leave your paci's in your bed for nap and bedtime.

You were running away from me when I was getting you and Spencer loaded into the car, and when I told you to get in your seat you ran away saying "No!" So, I got your hand, and I squatted down, and told you not to tell me "No," but to say, "Yes, Mom." I was keeping it fairly up-beat and light, yet firmly explaining the expectation (that you already know). And you looked me right in the eyes and said, "No, Mom!" Not with a frown or a scream, though there are plenty of those floating around these days; but with a serious face and a slight glimmer in your eyes. And, like a rookie, I let it surprise me. It's a wonder kids get raised at all considering how dumb people automatically become once they have children of their own! Things that never would have surprised me from someone else's child still genuinely catch me off guard.  And, to be honest, there are many, many times a day that you tell me, "Yes, Mom," and go on to grin and do what I've told you to do.

I've felt like you were only a one year old for about a month, and then you somehow quickly morphed into a two year old. So, it seems appropriate that we've now hit 2 1/2 year old territory. We're going to make it, but I know there will be lots learning opportunities for us both, as well as good stories, along the way.

Cute quote: "Drinkin' coffee, Mommy?"

Two Years

Oh my. Why you did that for? (Or Why you did that?)--E when she saw her cupcake decorations on the piano.

Rocked you to sleep for your nap and your bedtime. You woke up and asked for your milk at your bedtime, but you were out before I laid you down. Laid you down in your big girl bed.

(Not a lot of rocking to sleep when you were a baby--if any) So glad we can do it now.

You laid in a chair sideways, with your feet over the arm of it and used your feet and toes to pick your water bottle up off of the side table and bring it to your hands to take a drink

You call the stool a "poodle." Lots of "I do it!" which I sorta love. lots of requests to "ride the potty, many, many times a day; although you've not actually used it for the intended purpose yet. And you've been "riding" it for at least 9 months. You also love to sing the song from Daniel Tiger, "If you have to go potty, STOP and go right away! Flush and wash and be on your way." You tell me whenever we're out and about you need to stop and go right away! It's fun when you make it appear to strangers that I'm the mean mom who won't let you use the nearest toilet when you OBVIOUSLY need to go. =)

You love your extended family, and we talk about all or most of them every single day. We talk about where everyone is, and when we'll see them.

Sept. 29--"Mommy, you washed you hair!"

You've been calling my eyelashes snakes for at least 9 months. You bit me the other day so hard that I have a bruise and two days later the pediatrician showed me your two year molars that are coming in on the bottom and told me how much they hurt. So, that made me sad for you but happy for understanding why you randomly bit the fire out of my arm for no apparent reason.

You love to play hide and seek. You are experimenting with pouting and finding it quite useful.