2 1/3 years!

2 years, 4 months old


It's been 4 months since our last full Barrett update so I think it's time. Let's see how long I ramble on.



He most certainly is growing out of his toddlerdom and into a kid. His chubby cheeks that he was still sporting a bit at his birthday are definitely gone. We haven't been to the doctor since his 2 year well check in October so I'm not sure how much he weighs. I'd guess he's about 30 pounds. We measured his height a while back and he was right at 35 inches. He's in size 6 diapers which should last until he's potty trained permanently.



Speaking of potty training, we are not in any consistent pattern yet. He's much more successful at going at school than he is for us. I'd imagine because all the other kids are doing it. He also eats and sleeps great for them and as you'll read in a bit, we are not so lucky. Back to PT, if he wants to sit, we let him. If he doesn't want to, then he doesn't have too. I will not be fighting him on this and plan to let him take the lead. Maybe when he reaches 3, we'll push more. I also have zero problems changing him and not having to rush around finding a bathroom when he has to pee. Diapers are just fine.



I updated a while back on the sleep issue and we don't really have much of a change. He still sleeps in the guest room, still needs us to lay with him and rarely makes it a full night alone. Eh, whatever. Naps are status quo at school but we've had a few days where he's skipped them completely for us. Barrett gets the best end out of that deal because it usually means he gets a movie so we can all have a little bit of quiet time. We'll get on the ball here eventually and get him his own bed. Full size mattresses are expensive, yo.



Food is a bad topic. I've decided he can live on Air and maybe string cheese alone. Add in some goldfish and he has rounded out his meal. We ordered pizza last night and he refused to touch it. He ate 3 full pieces the last time we had pizza. If he could snack all day, he would. He would probably eat pbj every single meal, every single day. He does still get what we fix for dinner and nothing else if he doesn't eat it. The nights where I know he doesn't like what we're having, I'll make a substitution for him. This will always drive me nuts for some reason because I know there is no rhyme or reason to it.



Silly quirks about Barrett: A part of his calm down routine in bed (this is going to sound so weird) is he likes to put his nose in my closed eye sockets. The first time he randomly did this, I giggled, and now he giggles. Every.time. His blankie and two left hand fingers are still his best friends. Not unlike all other 2 year olds, Barrett picks the same 6 books to read every night, "ABCs of golf, Trucks, Goodnight Moon, Big Red Barn, Does a Kangaroo have a Mother, too and ABCs of Wrigley Field."



We've had a crazy winter (as everyone has) and needless to say we are ready for Spring. Barrett thrives on being outside so it will make our life easier when we can play after school/work. He is definitely a snow lover though, as well. Kid does not understand the concept of cold. Last year, we only had one real snowfall and I remember hoping we would get a little more so B could play in it. Did that wish ever come true! My dad, sisters and I took him out sledding on the golf course last weekend and he was IN LOVE. We also found out this month that Barrett will be getting his first cousin! Finally, the kid will get to share his attention with someone and just in time for him to turn 3.



Next month, Barrett will take his first plane ride and his first trip to the beach. We will leave Pontiac at about 6am to go to the airport and land in Kauai at 10:30pm, our time. That will make for a very long day. He'll be a seasoned pro (6 flights) by the time we get back. Fingers crossed on all going smoothly.



B is still a big sports fan. Always hitting balls with his golf club and shooting in his basketball hoop. He and his dad play catch with their baseball gloves all the time too. Another big reason why we want to get outside! Barrett is very much a movie boy. He loves them all! Favorites are still "Punzel", Peter Pan, "Summer" (aka Frozen), Nemo, Cinderella and Woody. He loves Merida and Tarzan and Tinkerbell too but will sit still for you any time you put in something. We listen to my Disney box cd set in the car to and from daycare each morning and if he's whiney or wants something (usually his blankie or his dad) then all I need to do is turn on "It's a Small World." Totally brainwashing him for our trip in the fall.



Age 2 is a challenging year and we've had our challenges with Barrett. He is very much so trying to show his dominance. He's not really a tantrum thrower though at least in the "throw myself on the floor and flail" kind of way. He, mostly, (fake) cries and whines and screams when he's not happy. We have not taken him out to dinner in many months though because I would rather cut off my toes. He cannot sit still and even more so doesn't want to do what we want him too. I'd say that's the biggest struggle at this age….Barrett wants to do the exact opposite of us in EVERYTHING. I try to give him choices to help give him some independence. Although, I keep waiting for the day to come where he doesn't let us pick out his clothes and he's not there yet. Thank god. I am way too obsessive to let him pick out his clothes. I realize that all the things he's not been doing are going to start now that I've written them down. Expect a mismatched dressed kid rolling around the floor screaming in T - 1 day….



Little man is a huge sweetheart though. He gives anyone a kiss and hug who wants it. Never minds telling everyone he loves them. He is so incredibly animated and happy when we go to pick him up at daycare each day. He will run and yell "That's my mommy! She's here!" and gives me a big hug. It's my favorite time of day. He always has numerous kids give him love when he leaves each day too. He's such a joy. He talks all.the.time. Knows his favorite books by heart. Is so smart but with those smarts comes its challenges. He knows how to work you. He is a huge helper. Loves to bake cookies, help you carry laundry from the basement, or bring items into daycare.



We just love him so!