L.J. Update

I’m not planning to continue monthly updates on L.J., but so much has happened in the last month that it warrants an update.

He’s gone from words to phrases to sentences. It startles us sometimes to hear him talk because the change has been so sudden. He’s very good at communicating what he wants and directions for us (ha!). L.J. is also now more aware of people as separate individuals. Mommy’s car, Landon’s hat, daddy’s bed (yes I’m still chopped liver). Just as an example – and it’s not this clearly stated – he’ll tell us that he wants to read his construction book in daddy’s bed with a glass of milk.

He now says his name – Yan-din – and knows it refers to him. So cute! He can also say L.J., but usually says Landon since that’s what they call him at school. He is very possessive of his babas and he now has two. His blue Baba and now “Elmo”. He has a fleece Elmo blanket that he – simply and accurately – refers to as Elmo. We’ll ask him if he wants his Baba and he’ll say, “Yess. And Elmo!”

He’s obsessed with coats, hats, shoes and socks. Not only does he make sure he has these things on, but he also wants to make sure everyone else does, too. He either has shoes and socks on, or nothing on his feet. In his world, the two are not independent of each other.

Side note: We found out – sorry buddy! – that he was always removing his right shoe because it hurt his foot. We checked and checked, and so did school, no one finding anything. And then one day I literally took the shoe apart and examined it with a flashlight. I could see/feel where his right toe was mashed against the side of the shoe. I felt so bad!! This was the second pair of Stride Rite shoes we’ve had an issue with, so I think maybe they just aren’t the best fit for L.J. Boo! They are such good quality shoes.

L.J. is starting to potty train! He got a froggy potty for Christmas and is quite proud of it. He’s pooped on it twice! He’s also pooped on the potty at school a few times. Pretty sure this is backwards since he’s yet to pee on the potty – but hey, we’ll take it. We are not pushing the potty at all since we’re getting ready to move and he just turned two. But he’s off to a promising start!

Anecdote one: So one morning over break I walked downstairs, expecting the usual exuberant “Mommy!!!!” and a big hug from L.J. I held out my arms in anticipation. No hug. Instead, L.J. grabbed the corner of my robe, tugged firmly and said, “Mommy! Kit-ken!” Oh I see where I rank in the scheme of things. He wanted me to go into the kitchen and make him eggs.

I did feel a little better the next morning when, sitting in our bed, L.J. hollered, “Daddy! Down! Kit-ken! Can-cakes!” (Translation: Daddy, go downstairs and make me pancakes!)

Needless to say, we’ve been reading the book Penguin Says Please a lot lately.

Anecdote two: L.J.s newest favorite word is ‘mess’. When he’s done eating he’ll ask for a paper towel and say, “I’m a mess!” Adorable. Slightly less adorable is his favorite crib activity. He likes to fling everything out of his crib, and then when you go get him he’ll give you a big grin and tell you he made a mess. The other morning I went to get him – at 4 a.m. mind you – and he greeted me with, “Hi Mommy! Mess!!”

Anecdote three: If he wants to do something by himself, he tells you to “Move back!” We’re pretty sure he learned it from the “move on back” line in the Wheels on the Bus song, but regardless it’s pretty hilarious. He says it with such emphasis.