Pierce 24 Month Update

Piercey is becoming more of a moving flash these days. He loves running and often flits across the room with reckless abandonment. We've also discovered how tough he is. He's earned the sometimes nickname "Scrappy" as a result. :) We've seen him fall, get his head bonked, land on the ground, etc. and he pauses for a minute and then gets right up happy most of the time. On his crankier days he can also throw a mean tantrum, which can also be turned off at a second's notice. We've had the feeling confirmed that he is a strong willed child who knows exactly what he does and doesn't want. We just pray he uses it for good and not harm!

He continues to communicate more and learn new words. He has added the words "co" for cold, calls trains "deh dehs", "aht" for outside, "aysh" for ice, and I'm sure others that I'm forgetting. He also also say the letters, A, B, C, D E, L, O, P and can recognize many others. He can point out almost any correct colors and is so observant in books. It seems like if you tell him something once, he remembers it. He still loves trains, trucks, firetrucks, and cars. He usually takes a different mode of transportation to bed with him each nap and night. He plays really well independently and can keep himself entertained for a long time just pushing along a train or car. But, he and Blaine have also started playing together more, but Pierce has always been pretty possessive of his toys and has started screaming "baaaaahh" whenever Blaine gets too close or takes one. A couple of months ago I was going to the bathroom and heard a scuffle going on between them outside the door. Pierce was crying really hard when I came out and between the two of them I found out exactly what had happened. Blaine had a red, plastic hammer in his hand and Pierce kept saying "bah" and pointing to his head. Blaine had hit him in the head with the hammer! And apparently a Pixie never forgets because to this day Pierce will completely randomly say "bah" and point to his head. (Coincidentally, Blaine did lose his temper today and threw a toy which happened to go right into Pierce's head. I guess the kid has a right to remember!)

He's really had a happy month overall and is still a good sleeper, although going down for a nap is occasionally a struggle. He is still the pickiest eater and keeps me trying. His main foods are cereal (current favorite is Mueslix with extra raisins), veggie sticks, and yogurt. He also has a renewed love for grilled cheese which is nice. We're working on tasting things and may be making some progress. My mantra lately is that he so over the top picky that this has to be a toddler thing he will grow out of. The kid won't even eat pizza, hamburgers, or most meats. I will say he never met a dessert he didn't like though.

Overall Pierce is a happy boy who loves playing outside, rough housing with daddy, and snuggling with mommy.  Oh..and I think we are finally breaking the obsession with my armpits! We got tough 2 weekends ago and cheerfully remind him that "big boys use their own armpits!". The things I never knew I'd say! But it has worked and he hardly ever tries anymore. Yay!