This is really an amazing and very challenging age. Bean has a big vocabulary and will talk to anyone who will listen to him. He mostly wants to talk about big machines and construction sites. He loves to watch a kids documentary called Mighty Machines that is all about big machines and the jobs they do. He often quotes his favorite episodes, especially right before falling asleep.
Bean has become an extra exceptionally picky eater. We have a hard time getting him to eat anything other than a chicken/sweet potato baby food or mango packets. He did ask for soup yesterday, which means he wants to eat a sweet potato dahl that I make. The eating issue can be very frustrating.
He still usually takes a good nap for 2-3 hours and sleeps for about 8 hours at night. Sometime between 4 and 7 we can expect to hear Bean's door slam, his little feet shuffle down the hallway, our door slam, and he crawls into our bed. Today he was up at 4:30 for the day. It is near impossible to explain that just because the sun is up, he doesn't have to be. Bean is still nursing when he first wakes up, before nap and bedtime and sometimes after his nap. However, he and Amel were laying in his bed reading a book three nights ago, while I was waiting for Amel to hand him to me in the rocking chair. When Amel stood up, Bean said "No, Tata, lay down with me." I said ok, you can sleep with Tata, quickly gave him a kiss and walked out. Amel stayed with him for about twenty minutes and he actually fell asleep! Neither one of us could believe it. I have been telling him when he is three mama milk is going away. We will see how that goes. About two months ago he told me "Mama, I am always thinking about when can I have your milk." He makes me laugh everyday.
Two weeks ago we started potty training. We told Bean he would just be wearing diapers to sleep. We took three days and stayed at home, just focusing on going potty. The first day we had a few accidents and he pooed in his shorts and on the carpet, but since then all the poo has made it into the potty. When we are at home he rarely has an accident probably partly due to running around with out pants on. He has also done really well when we've been out. As the mama, it is tiring running him to the bathroom all the time and worrying about him touching every part of every public toilet out there, but he is doing a great job. He is getting into the habit of telling us when he has to go when we are out, although he thinks he has to go every time he sees a bathroom. It is funny how proud a parent can feel about her child using the potty. This morning, I had to go to the bathroom and my shadow followed me in there, as usual. He asked, "Mama, do you have a penis?" I told him no and he said "we'll get you one next time, mama, don't worry." Hearing the way a two year old thinks is priceless.
We are keeping busy this summer, always in search of indoor activities to do. It has been over 110 degrees this past week. Bean went to the movie theatre for the first time to see The Lorax. We have been to the roller rink a couple of times. We have play dates with friends and spend time in the pool. We have been working hard on www.BeansMama.com, which is starting to take off. The summer days seem to go by slowly, but overall the summer is going by quickly.
Bean is currently at Soccer Tots with Amel - his first sports class. The first week, he did well. He could do all the skills and listened to the coach. The second week he didn't want to participate until the very end. He said this week he was going to listen to coach. Hopefully the boys are enjoying their time. Now it is time for me to accomplish something while I am home alone.
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| a favorite activity |
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| Keeping cool by climbing furniture at the mall |
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| "The Boss" watching Mighty Machines |
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| First time skating with pal, Noemi |
