the last few weeks or so (or is it months? heck it's November and I'm still wondering where September went!), ive been thoroughly impressed at Max's skyrocketing vocabulary. It's like I just need to say something once and he's already repeating it- whether it's in english or tagalog. His new ability has exponentially made life easier as he's able to tell us what he's feeling, what he wants, and what he's thinking. though one word-command like statements, Kid..mamma get's your drift! As part of his bedtime countdown, Max is allowed to jump on his crib mattress (im not really sure if im draining energy or getting him worked up, but he looks forward to his 30 minutes every night!), Max just last night says to me, "jump jump!" so i scoop him up and into the crib, he bounces and drops his weight on his bum and goes "bounce!" and then he falls back and knocks his head, and cries "owie...(as he touches his head) kiss kiss!" Yes! his tagalog skills are quite remarkable, im wishing i had some sort of handy dictionary in my bag so I can translate the world around us faster (this is the downside of not having a smart phone! argh). Ah well, whatever he points at and says in English, i respond with the tagalog version to the best of my ability. What's the best way to incorporate and expose him to tagalog without having to watch TV or movies? and if you dont have many friends who speak it enough (or even at all) around your children? hmmm...
Max has discovered the word NO in the last month or so. A little annoying but hey, he's telling me how he feels and what he wants so I need to respect the bugger. Currently, he's at the state where he's not abusing the word and says NO to every single thing. Sometimes, all it takes is a little convincing (or bribing), or waiting it out, or some stern commands (whether through tone or a visual stand) and he knows that his No isn't the final say around here. Of course, there are other times when I cant wait and I just need to do what needs to be done and let a few tears shed. Around here, NO is used a lot when I need to change his diaper. Not sure why! But lately i've discovered that throwing him over my shoulders, or bouncing/skipping as we walk to his room, or stopping to check out and name the people in the photos down the hallway that leads into his room, changes his demeanor and by the time we hit the change table he's all giggles. Who will say no to a clean diaper!?
Speaking of diapers, Max has been telling me he's pooped after the fact every now and then. sometimes, he tells me he's pooped even though he hasn't and was probably passing flatus. And there are other times when he's saying to me, "poop poop" and i check, only to find nothing there (but somewhat soon after there is poop- so probably telling me he has to go). When is a good time to start potty training? I think Max is beginning to understand the concept, but I really don't want him to poo all over our house or toys (i find it weird saying this, but pee is ok) this isnt inevitable right? Ive got a potty around here that he uses and drags all around the house, if we're in the washroom and we ask him to sit, he doesnt really sit on it for very long and sometimes I find a toy here and there in the toilet part. hmm, perhaps he's NOT ready right now. Is there a stigma when it comes to kids in diapers around age 2.5-3years old?
Have kids decided whether they're left or right handed at this age? Im seeing a lot of activities of daily living that lead me to believe that Max will be a righty vs. a lefty (like me!) He draws with his right hand, he climbs up the stairs with his right foot first, he strums the guitar with his right hand, he uses his right hand when using his eating utensils....hmm, yeah perhaps there's no denying it.
And there's some unchanged facts like:
- still waking up a few hours after bedtime and we move in
- those dreaded pacifiers!
- eating well
- feet size 7-7.5, weight approx 24.5lbs
This is definitely my favorite stage in Max's life so far. although they say that kids don't remember anything before the age of 4, Max is so impressionable and thus i'm making a conscious effort to watch what i do, say, and eat (I can't even eat chips in front of him). I love how he knows what he loves like trucks, backhoe's, wheels (steering wheels!), certain people, cheerios in the morning, grapes, and stairs! it's just so mind blowing to see this little helpless human that once fit so perfectly in my arm develop into this boy who's thinking and making decisions, beginning to take shape and life. I love this little man of mine! it makes me wonder how I can love another kid (no, im not pregnant) as much as I do him ...but this is another rant for another day.
