I Do It

We hear the phrase " I do it" pretty often these days. Our resident 2 year old has suddenly become Mr. Independent.  He has specific opinions about what he wants and how he wants it. For example, the ride to school in the morning is preceded by a 10 minute negotiation over what socks and shoes he is willing to wear, followed by another 10 minute search through the house for the perfect combination of cars and trains to bring along. He has also become a tooth brushing expert for his dinosaur friends- there must be exactly the correct amount of toothpaste to begin.   

 Everything has to be "a big one"- a big bite of yogurt, big muffin, big cold fresh cup of water, big serving of icing on his cinnamon roll, big handful of laundry as he helps put it in the dryer. He likes to use our names to give emphasis to his commands- "I want chips, Mommy", "I want Monsters Inc. Milk, Dad", "I want to see, Kelss". He makes sure we understand by repeating the command rapidly and loudly nonstop until we fulfill the request.

 Lucky for us, he is still an affectionate little monster, making it easy to forgive him after one of his projectile destructive tantrums. He is quick to say "Peez" and "Tanks", and gives out sweet hugs and kisses like it's his job. He makes Mom's day every time he reaches up and says "Hold you?", or when he says "I want a hug" and then grabs her face to give her a big kiss while making bug eyes and laughing.
Even his teachers can't resist that charm, they tell us "He's crazy, but he sure is loving.".

He likes to give each dog a hug and kiss in the morning before leaving for school. They adore him as much as we do. Maggie likes him until he turns into an angry volcano, then she goes back to her quiet place in Mom and Dad's bedroom. It's going to be an exciting ride for the next few months with this Tasmanian devil, I think we're ready!