The life of a toddler

So, out of the blue Grayson has become such a toddler. Ok, I guess he's been doing toddler-ish things for quite awhile and is technically considered a toddler....but there are new developments in this department. The "terrible-two's" are rearing their ugly head. Grayson has always been a really good little boy (not to brag or anything)....and we've never had any real behavior issues, excessive crying, naughtiness, etc....but lately we can tell that life as a sweet little baby is nearing the end. Don't get me wrong, he is still super awesome and for the most part listens to what we want him to do. As I write this, he is supposed to be coloring on his paper but has now taken to coloring on his canvas cushy chair....and doesn't have any intention of stopping. These do happen to be "washable" crayons, but since I just got them I don't really know how "washable" they truly are. So for the time being they are now in my possession. Ok...let me get back to my thoughts.

I bought a book the other day....a guide about toddlers. I was hoping this would enlighten me with all the tools to deal with toddler issues. This book is pretty superficial and hasn't given me too much insight besides an overview of general common sense. I would really like a super-nanny to come in and give me a class. I'm one of these people that wants to know everything....I don't like "winging" it all the time. I looked into taking a parenting class for toddlers at the community college, but was too late. Maybe next quarter. But I don't want to wait that long! I am really glad that I have a good group of mom friends that remind me that we are all in the same boat....toddler antics are universal.

So, new things that he has started doing lately are excessive whining and crying when I leave and go into another room in the house or when I take him out of the pantry or do something he doesn't want to do. Hi....typical toddler, I know. I'm trying to ignore the whining, but boy it gets old. Another typical thing is that he will keep doing something when I tell him not to.....he thinks its funny (I guess this is from my dog-yelling voice). He likes to climb onto my antique rocking chair, stand up and start rocking. This would be no big deal except this chair is old and has a broken spring and would easily tip over. Definitely an independence thing....which is good and bad.

We have also created a monster....a sleep monster that is. We've tried various techniques (we think anyway) to get Grayson to fall asleep on his own but nothing but our hands really works. You know how most kids are attached to a special blanket, toy or stuffed animal....well, our kid is totally, obsessively attached to our hands. It really isn't to us being there....its our hands. I asked Heath if he thought a fake hand would work if we put it in his crib. I know this sounds demented, but I'm almost willing to try it. Heath didn't quite agree with me. Lately Grayson is seeming to be more obsessed with our hands and will fiddle around with them forever. He has been waking up in the middle of the night again (maybe due to teething or habit from when he was sick). Last night it was only once, but it takes my hands to get him to fall asleep....and it seemed like it took forever. The night before he woke up 4 times....by the 3rd time I was on pretty much going to lose it and said a few choice words. That was when Heath got up and took charge. Thank God....I felt like I was seriously going mental. So, my new plan for getting him off the hands is to place his soft fuzzy bear/blanket combo in our hands while holding his. My hope is that eventually he will be cool with just the blanket. I'm probably delusional, but maybe it will work...I hope! I've also thought that maybe a somewhat large doll with good hands would work too. I just don't think going cold turkey is an option.

Ok...enough with the ranting....on to the bragging. Even though there are trying times with this toddler age....fun times also still exist we enjoy him all the time. He is really funny, loving and is still my little cuddle bug. I am watching him right now read his favorite book (that has some torn pages out of it).....it really looks like he is reading. He is just staring at the pages and taking it all in. Now he is touching the pictures. Its pretty funny to watch.

We got him a kitchen (I had a Discovery Toys party last week and got it for 1/2 price)....he is really enjoying playing with this. I was thinking I would take it to dad's for him to play with there, but I may keep it here and take something else instead. Its a nice break from all the trucks, tractors, cars, etc that he loves to play with all the time. I'm totally cool with my kid becoming the next Jamie Oliver (love that guy), minus the British accent (but the accent would be cool too).

When I pick him up at daycare....I just crack up. He runs to me from where he is playing....smiling....and doing his silly run. Then he will say "back" which means that he needs to go put the toy he is playing with back. He is very helpful at daycare and at home with putting things away.

I put a little kids table in our living room for him to sit like a big boy and eat his snacks and for doing art projects. He really enjoys sitting there....and tip his chair back like we used to do in school and get in trouble for. Luckily he has his cushy chair in the way so he can't really fall. But I am waiting for the fall someday. I just bought him color wonder stuff (thanks to some of my mom friends), playdoh and those washable crayons. I kind of forgot how cool playdoh feels....except of the lovely residue.

I really need to get a picture of this reading thing....he is really into it!

Favorite word: Backhoe (all tractors are backhoes now).

Well, that pretty much sums it up for now. That was one long post! Any advice or tips are appreciated. Even though the toddler times are here, Grayson will always be my sweet little baby :) (ahhh!)