Terrible Twos?

I've always thought the "terrible twos" were actually more from age 1 1/2 to 2 1/2, and by then they're into the "whiny threes".  I think it's just always something.  Maybe with my third rowdy little boy, I've realized it's not really that "terrible" more just about learning and alot of discovering.  Now I just roll my eyes and clean up the mess, sometimes I even remember to take a picture so I can record this precious time of new experiences.  And most of the time he makes us all smile.  They get such joy out of simple little things.

Colton does many of the same things my other boys did, but somehow time makes us forget. Sometimes I wish I would have recorded the little things more.  So here's a glimpse of Colton at two years of age...

He says lots and lots of words (and attempts pretty much anything).  Many times he just repeats words:

Mom: "Colton, do you want a cookie?"

Colton: "Cookie"

Mom:  "Or a cracker?"

Colton: "Cracker"

Mom: (slowly) "Cookie or cracker?"

Colton: "Cookie. Cracker"

Mom:  Ok, how about just an apple."

Colton: "Apple"

Mom: "Great, here's an apple."

He has also learned the word mine, although he is great at sharing:

Mom: (bringing his lunch to the table)

Colton: "Mine?"

Mom:  "Yes, this is yours."

(setting the plate down, a mandarin orange falls off the side and I pop it in my mouth)

Colton: "Hey!"

Mom: (smile)

Colton: "sharin?" (smile and tilt of the head)

Mom: "Yes, we're sharing."

Colton: (smiling and nodding) "sharin."

Colton has been really talking since about January.  His first full sentence was "I got it."  It is still heard quite often.  Colton still sleeps in his crib (mostly for his mom's sanity).  He is also still attached to his binky, which is probably also for my sanity.  He loves to do the dishes, though when I am not looking, he likes to spray the sprayer all over the kitchen.  He loves to take baths or showers.  If I tell him I am going to take a shower, he HAS to come in with me (ie major tantrum), but if I tell him I am going to go rest for a few minutes, he just waves and I can take a quick shower, alone, and he is none the wiser.  He still takes pretty decent naps, which gives me a short amount of time each day to actually "do something", although Cody us usually running in and out with his friends.  He loves his daddy and watching out the window for him to come home in the mornings.  He gives great hugs and always wants a "hamwich, hamwich!" - a hug squished between mom and dad.  He LOVES to play outside, no matter how cold or wet it is and apparently the only thing to do in our backyard is play in the sandpile, so he is constantly dirty.  I always feel bad when I go to change is diaper hours later and it is full of sand.  Speaking of diapers, I am hoping to be done with them soon.  Everytime I change his diaper, he says "toilet!", so I let him go, although we have only ever had something come out just once.  He likes to do anything his big brothers do - ride bikes, play video games (or pretend to), wrestle with dad, go to friends', "play" legos (or throw them, whatever).  Just recently he has actually started playing with his brothers (as opposed to just following or annoying them), and I love it!

Although he is definitely in the "discovery" phase, he is smiley and snugly and amazes me everyday at all that he is learning and absorbing.  He brings such joy into our home!  We love this two year old!  Happy Birthday Colton!