This boy becomes more entertaining with each passing day. He is now quite the dancer, he points to the stereo to request music then claps and bounces and spins in circles until he wobbles with dizzies. He is working hard to learn how to jump, squatting down then throwing his arms and body up, but not quite able to get both legs off the ground. He's so pleased with himself yelling 'ump' with each effort, hysterical and adorable.
He can communicate surprisingly well with few words. He will take me by the hand, ooh-oohing as he leads me to a toy out of reach or a door left open. He uses his sign language constantly, more still topping the list and usually performed through tears as he begs for more singing at the library, more blueberries, more stories.
He does also speak, but mostly in his own made-up language. His favorite word is 'ah-dnn'. It's hard to write but it does somehow sound similar to balloon which is where it originated, (he has found new love for the once feared balloons). Ah-dnn has grown to mean anything truly wonderful, mostly those balloons and his favorite fruits.
He is trying hard to learn some real words, he's newly obsessed with the moon (mmmm) and stars (dahr) and searches the sky for them whenever we venture out, even in the daylight.
He can still be shy in new situations, but is growing much quicker to warm up. Instead of scowling suspiciously at new faces he now smiles and flirts with anyone who catches his glance.
His temper is also growing bolder. He gets mad as a hornet when it's time to clean up or leave the park which can be frustrating and embarrassing. He has learned how to throw tantrums and shakes his head 'no' at almost every request. Some days it's infuriating and other's it's just hard not to laugh.
He has impeccable balance, standing on a skateboard, chair, or the top of his rocking horse with no hands (no, he's not supposed to do that). I'm amazed by his skill and how few bonks and bruises he's gotten so far given what a monkey he is... (knocking very hard on wood!).
We are finally making some progress with holding hands and we can walk to the park, daddy grasping one hand and me with the other. He is so proud to get to walk along the sidewalk and chirps 'mama, dada, mama, dada' as we go.
It's beautiful and heart-wrenching to watch as he leaves behind the baby and gets closer and closer to finishing up his second year. Every morning I hold him in my arms and it's as if he's grown overnight. I'm so very proud of the little boy he is becoming, serious and goofy all rolled into one. He truly sparkles and I'm grateful to share each day with him.