2

On Thursday, my baby will be two. I love two! There are tantrums, yes, but there are also conversations and giggles and understanding. This morning, Declan told me "another one" when he was done with his waffle (he also had waffles for dinner last night) and was able to pick out his first pair of shoes.



And although he was immensely disappointed that he couldn't get the gold girls' flats with the jewel on them or the blue Keds with gold stars on them, he loves these shoes so much that he refused to take them off when he had his nap yesterday. We got two pairs, and he's been taking turns trying on the "red shoes" and the "blue shoes". This morning he chose the blue ones. It's so fun to see which things he likes and how he expresses his individuality. Right now, jammies, shoes, and coats are in and clothes that are starting to get too small are way out. He gets so frustrated when a sleeve is not exactly at his wrist. I can see the face scrunching up and the screams getting ready to come out. This is why we are doing early spring shopping. I don't want to be deaf within the next year.



On the flip side (there's always a flip side), Declan is now learning to take his clothes and diapers off and on. I bet you think this is a good thing...and it is, if your son isn't an evil genius. Because two weeks ago, I went to get Declan in the morning and found he'd taken off his diaper and spread poop on the door and carpet around him all the while saying "poo poo, yucky". After a very stressful morning involving showers, scrubbing, and lots and lots of hand washing, I decided it was time to try potty training. And D did great the next weekend with his first two successful potties. And then...nothing. Not interested, not in the m&ms, special potty books, and all the celebrations involved. So I'm not pushing, just hoping that he'll inch toward that potty again soon. Until then, I am on constant diaper alert. Can't wait until summer when he can frolic naked in the yard.