My favorite age...so far

I think the terrible twos might be skipping my Jack. I know we're only a month and a half in, and not that he doesn't have his moments (and wow, they're bad), but I'm finding two to be my favorite age, so far. Jack is full of imagination and curiosity, which can sometimes be a bit exhausting. Granted, there aren't dramatic scenes played out yet, or if there are, I don't understand them. He has learned how to open the dishwasher, the dryer, he can manipulate the fridge lock (which we've had for about a week...), and can get on Todd's laptop and open up a profile and the Internet. What a love.

Last week, Jack voluntarily climbed up onto our big toilet and sat there for a good 5 minutes. He didn't produce anything, but had a fantastic time flushing and wiping himself; in that order.

I wasn't planning on potty training until baby #2 arrives because I didn't want to deal with regression. Our plan was to start after Christmas unless Jack showed signs of being ready. We were banking on the fact that he's showed absolutely no interest in the toilet. Of course, since children always do what parents expect them to do, we figured we had more time. Even though he is showing an interest, we're not going at the training hardcore. We leave for Disney World in two weeks and I don't want him confused. I suppose we'll get home and purchase him a little potty.

I've mentioned a couple times that we follow Jack's cues when deciding big things, like weaning and moving him out of his crib. Both events were prompted by unexpected situations, but ultimately, the decision was his. With weaning him from breastfeeding, he was forced to go at least 24 hours without boob when I had my ectopic surgery. He had already weaned himself to just bed with the occasional comfort session and about a month later he just decided he was officially done. With the transition from crib to big boy bed, he began climbing out of his crib around Thanksgiving. We got very lucky and he would only climb out when he knew something more fun was going on (i.e. he wouldn't crawl out in the middle of the night). We bought him a twin bed shortly after Christmas and he decided he wanted to sleep in it instead of his crib. No tears, no trouble, and he is happy to be in charge. Now, and for the last few months, he climbs up into his bed and talks to himself for a while and goes to sleep.

He does not decide everything; we set his meals times, bedtime routine, and have no problem denying him candy, toys, etc., at the store. He doesn't get to determine if we are ready to leave somewhere by throwing a fit. He says "no" a lot and on certain things we respect his self set boundaries, but he doesn't rule the coop.

I'm also surprised at how kind and giving he is. I think daycare has a lot to do with his new found sharing abilities, because as the firstborn with no siblings yet, sharing isn't a priority in our house. He gives hugs and kisses to friends, he kisses Strider (much to the poor cat's annoyance) and loves on Zelda as much as she will let him; Jack and Penguin have an mutual "you don't bug me, I don't bug you" understanding. He's growing into being such a lover that I hope it continues once his brother or sister arrives. (To prevent confusion, we might refer to the baby as "she" but never tell Jack that the baby in my belly is his sister. Baby #2 is always referred to as "brother or sister" which is beginning to be a mouthful and I can't wait to actually refer to one or another or it's name. Trying not to refer to baby as "the new baby" when talking to Jack.)

*I have been judged recently for making it clear that we would like a girl. I feel as though I need to add a disclaimer: Despite how much I complain, this baby was planned and is wanted and loved, despite it's gender. The fact that I have to reassure people of this is ridiculous. Yes, I am miserable. But I know that in November, it will all have been worth it. Thankfully, my blog comments MUST be approved. If there is any negativity directed toward me or Todd, I will block readers and make my blog private. Todd and I appreciate all of the positive support and love that we have received during this pregnancy.*