The Big 2.0

We officially have a two year-old.

And it's amazing to me how much of a little self he is. He has clear interests; Luke loves food, cooking, and cooking shows and can name most vegetables and fruit as we walk through the grocery store (where he is always extremely well-behaved). He also usually sits happily and quietly at restaurants and will usually try new foods, which is how he recently discovered a love for shrimp. 

Luke also loves music. I know I've said it before, but the song lyrics and tunes this kid absorbs is amazing. Some friends recently babysat him and taught him the chorus of Benny and the Jets in a few minutes. He is now in charge of the radio in the car and what we listen to at home and loves to dance to his favorite songs, especially when he has a captive audience. Several nursery leaders have told us that he is their most avid and energetic singer. 

He also loves sports, especially football (a recent discovery). He received a mini-football for his birthday and has since insisted that he sleep with it. He assumes all balls are his and has his biggest meltdowns when friends won't throw theirs to him at the park. 

Luke just cannot absorb information fast enough. It's embarassing how well he can use phones and tablets--on facetime he can recognize numbers and names as specific people and knows which ones to push to call dada, mere mere, baba, and coco. He counts very well, though after eleven his numbers turn slightly incoherent (they all end in -teen!), and has begun to memorize the words in his favorite books. 

He also has clear dislikes: he does not like to get out of the tub, or be interrupted to have his diaper changed, or leave the park, or to be left out. He does not like being told "no" and insists all things are his (the best is when he says things like "my mama's phone") and does not like to have people touch his hair. He does not like friends touching his things or when mama yells at other drivers in the car. He especially doesn't like it when dada has to go to work or when a call he has placed doesn't go through.

But despite all of that he is a charmer. His adorable cheeks are showing no signs of disappearing any time soon and are his greatest asset (although his long locks and blue eyes don't hurt). He is very far from shy and loves people, making friends with kids and grown-ups wherever he goes. The boy is just funny. I know most kids are funny, but I swear everything he does is hilarious, especially if you aren't the one responsible for the consequences. He is easily excited and will soon be shrieking in delight if you encourage it, with a quick smile and easy laugh. 

I don't know what we did to deserve this little monster, but I wouldn't trade him for anyone.