bodie lane, 22 months

Bo man, bo bo, bubs, bubbies...you're 22 months! So close to your second birthday, when I feel like we stop counting months and start describing kids ages by 1/2 years instead. But until then, here's some about you at 22 months. 

We have been living in Madison for over 2 months now, and you did very well during the transition. The biggest upset has seemed to be with your sleep, but (knock on wood) you seem to be back to your usual self sleeping most nights all night in your crib. We have had some snow days and you want to like being outside and playing, but it is just so cold and hard to move in all the gear. You are usually a good sport for a little bit, then cry to go inside. You sure look adorable though.

Four days of the week Izzy goes to preschool in the morning so we have some alone time together. When the weather was nice we went outside and of course you love being outside. You like to climb, slide, and swing, and explore around. We also went to some gym playgroups which you seem to get bored of easily (or take to swiping other kids' toys which stressed me out) and coffee shops which you liked alot. When it's cold we stay inside and play around the house, have snacks, or wrestle around. You like to play with the balls, blocks, toy kitchen, read books, Mr. Potato Heads, play doh, arts and crafts, trains that go, music toys, and just explore and make a mess of things, =) You love to help in the kitchen and come running and pushing a chair to climb up on when you see me starting to bake. You also love to help your daddy work on the bikes downstairs and will scoot down to play with the tools as soon as you hear him tinkering. You really want to ride the tricycle and will get on and scoot around, but it's frustrating when you are just not big enough. sorry bubs... soon!

Pulled all the blankets off, found my phone, and time to relax! 

Hello adorable little monster.

You like to play the puzzle games on my phone, but mostly get frustrated when your little chubby fingers click the games off before you want.

tackle and tumble play? yes please- my favorite! hiding under the blankets together, another yes please!

um, it's cold and I can't get up!

 22 months can be a hard age for all. Growing desired independence but limited communication. Bring on the tantrums and crying for all! Some days you wake up fussy and just seem to melt in tears at everything. Those days are hard. Others you are able to play by yourself or nicely with your sister and all is well in the world.  Some days you open up to brush your teeth, but most you refuse and try to run away, clamping down your lips together like it's nobody's business. You do like your baths, although sibling fighting is a 50/50 during bath time, but on a good day you both have a grand time playing "coffee" and tub time games with your other bath toys and cups. Your mood is often unpredictable, and we want to help you when things seem hard, but sometimes aren't sure what to do. Outings can be hard or require lots of energy, so we choose carefully when to ask you to sit in a cart or go to the mall. And why is it necessary to throw a fit at the check out desk every time we go to the library? Of all places! The nice thing is second time around- that we hope this phase will pass as we've seen with Iz and things will get easier as your independence, emotion regulation, and understanding of the world grows. We still love you more than anything.

Look at that mischievous grin! Here he's clicking the car alarm from the house, lol. So proud of himself.

You still have the most amazing smile. When I see that smile of pure joy my heart melts and all is well in the world again.

You still love to cuddle and it's the best feeling. Your paci is your comfort item, but you sleep with your elmo and scout and love to play scout's music before bed. You've done very well at being roomies with iz and I couldn't be prouder. You are still taking a good afternoon nap which helps each day. You are a sweet little snuggle bug and now like to read stories on izzy's bed all together before rest times.

You are more and more able to play with izzy and that's just about the best thing I've ever seen. I'm hoping it just gets better, although I'm remaining realistic that sibling rivalry may stay around forever. =)

We are loving our bigger place which allows us more room to run around and play.
Bodie still puts lots of things in his mouth. We wonder if it is his last 2 teeth (2 year molars on top) that are yet to come in and we are hoping because it is exhausting pulling things out of his mouth all the time, lol.

Bo bo, you are so much fun and are such a big boy now. You have shown some interest in potty training and have gone pee and poop in the potty! You sometimes like to wear big boy undies, which is adorable. You are talking alot and using 2-3 word phrases which is awesome.

One of my favs is when I come home from a run the first thing I hear when I open the door, "mommy's home!" We are the best of buds aren't we? You love to snuggle with your daddy, and show the same excitement when he comes home, but show a preference for your mommy when it's meltdown central.

you also have seriously sweet hair.

photo compliments of uncle c

Eating? Yeah, you do it alot! you love food and know how to make a giant mess, several times a day. You can feed yourself w/ utensils, etc. but often prefer the shovel method. You don't seem to have many food preferences which we are happy about, knowing that you'll most often eat a healthy variety of foods.

Bo man you are learning so much and I love to watch you grow. Your hugs are seriously the BEST! You are funny and crazy and make me smile. I'm so lucky you are mine. Cheers to onward and upward to the big 2!

I love you.
love, mom