Nothing But Nathan: 24 Months Old

It's hard to believe that our baby is no longer a toddler but now a little boy. Nathan turned two years old on December 23, 2010. These past two years have gone by so quickly. It's rewarding to watch him grow, learn something new, and see his independence show. Here is what our two year old is up to now:

* Nathan likes to walk down stairs like a big boy with one hand holding the railing and other hand holding an adult. He can blow his nose by himself but he needs to work on waiting for the tissue to be at his nose each time BEFORE blowing! Speaking of nose, he knows the different parts of the face. If you ask him where his nose, eyes, ears, and mouth are he can show you. He also knows where his elbows are.

* Overall he has been good with the Christmas tree this year. He calls the traditional round bulb ornaments balls. One night I found the red Iowa State bulb ornament laying mysteriously on the couch instead of hanging on the tree. Hmm! He enjoys looking at the lights and watching/listening to the ornaments that have sound, lights, or music.

* On December 1st Isaac and I decided that it was time to have Nathan stop using his pacifier. We were always good about him having it only to go to sleep - never had him walk around with it; it was his comfort (his "ni-night" he called it) to fall asleep. I think Mommy and Daddy were just as hooked on this piece of plastic as he was!! It was a horrible first night but then each night following got a little easier. It took about two weeks or so for him to stop asking for it or go to the place where it was kept; if he did we just said that it was all gone. This was the most difficult thing to break him away from but was definitely needed!

* This past month Nathan's temper switch has been turned from off to on. When Nathan gets upset about something he can take it to an extreme level of throwing a big temper tantrum. He will be so mad and worked up that there isn't anything to do to get him to calm down other than have him sit on the couch or be in his crib until he calms down. As parents, it is tough to stay strong, keep your cool, and be consistent with discipline so that he will grow up to be a good boy, but we are managing.

* On a more fun subject, Nathan's vocabulary has increased so much more than the last month. I try to be good about writing down all the new words/short phrases he is saying now but I'm sure I am missing many. Nathan told me that he loved me for the first time on December 2nd. It was so sweet, my heart melted!

New vocabulary for Nathan:

"where are you?" (while playing some version of peek-a-boo with you)

"nummy" (for foods he likes or when he is ready to eat)

"lights" (the 'i' part is drawn out - points to the Christmas lights, lamp, or light fixtures)

"knock, knock" (with action of knocking on the table or wall; not sure where he learned this)

"wow"

"bye" (while waving good-bye; before you got just a wave, now you get both)

"love you" (pronounced wuve you; he says this more frequently now - yeah!)

"puppy" and "ruff, ruff" (he just loves his musical stuffed animal puppy)

"Mommy/Daddy" (instead if the shortened version of mama, dada)

"I know" (he will say this sometimes at the most appropriate moment in a conversation!)

"football" (definitely recognizes this sport on TV; will make touch down gesture when asked)

"b ball" (referred to his toy baseball or little basketball)

"ho, ho, ho"

"truck" (pronounced tuck)

"please" (pronounced peas)

"owie"

* Maybe Nathan will play sports when he gets older since he is really into a ball of any type or sport. He likes to carry his football around the house or bring it in the car. One night he even went to bed with it but of course I removed this non-plush item from his crib once he fell asleep. He's a great little kicker and plays a variety of games with a ball.

* Unfortunately Nathan had his first flu December 21 but thankfully it was only a 24-hour bug. This was no fun for any of us. He was himself again in just a few days, just in time for his birthday party.

* We had a quiet but nice birthday celebration at our house for our birthday boy on his special day. We had an airplane theme party with cake, ice cream, and family over to help celebrate. Nathan did a good job this year opening presents on his own (for the most part). He is enjoying playing with the variety of new toys and books he received.

Here are some fun pictures from his birthday to enjoy!