Best Buds

Hello and welcome to this week's blog update. ;)

It is absolutely amazing to me that January is already in the books. I haven't even done our taxes yet! Oh well, I'm sure February is going to be a great month and March (along with Landon's 2nd birthday) will be here before we know it.

This past Sunday my Dad came over to help me mount a television on the wall in our bedroom. We did it in a way where the only thing on the wall is the TV, no cords to be seen. It was actually a fairly difficult project that required us to spend way too much time up in the attic chasing wires and cords through the walls. Anyhow, we did get it finished up and are very pleased with the results. It also allows us a few extra minutes of sleeping in time when we can turn on Mickey Mouse Club House for Landon...every little bit helps.

After that, the rest of the weekend seemed to be a blur of football and getting prepared for another week.

I don't want to "jinx" anything here, but I think we might be fast-approaching the so-called terrible two's (although I hear that this is more like the "terrible two through five's"....anyhow, Landon has become very independent lately, to the point where he throws fits for no reason at all. The most common cause lately - getting his diaper changed. Landon will be happy as a clam, until he's told it's time to change his diaper. He twists, turns, screams, does everything he can...we actually have resorted to bribing him with M&M's and physically holding him down so he won't roll over...it's exhausting! Of course, as soon as the new diaper is on, he's his normal happy self again...just slightly red faced from the screaming. We're hoping this new phase will be over soon - BECAUSE IT SUCKS. We've also started telling Landon, "if you don't want to change your diaper, then you can start using the potty like a big boy" but he just stares at us blankly like we're full of crap...just like his diaper - again. And we repeat the process.

We have also realized how vitally important sufficient naps are. Last night we had the Carlino's over. Landon's good buddy Anthony who goes to school with Landon and his parents, Jenn & Pete. We had a good time visiting and letting the boys play together. Landon shared his toys (most of them) and they ran around until exhausting every last bit of energy they had. At which point Landon reminded us (not so quietly) how tired he was and our fun evening quickly came to an end. Luckily, our friends completely understand what it's like to have an almost two-year old and rolled with the punches. Either way, it was fun to have them over!

I suppose we can just chalk all of it up to Landon's growing independence. He's learning that he can make decisions and that most things in life, he has a choice on how it can be done. This can be a blessing and a curse. On one hand, it's nice being able to ask him "Do you want a waffle or french toast for breakfast?" or "Do you want peas and carrots or green beans?" and he'll pick one. We've read that giving children choices is a valuable part of growing up and the key for parents is provide them with choices that we're okay with whatever he chooses. "Landon, do you want to start bath time now or do you want to start in 5 minutes?" Granted, he doesn't know what 5 minutes is, but allowing him to make the choice makes him feel like he has some sort of control and results in less of a melt down. Lately, we've been allowing Landon to choose what shoes he wears. This picture isn't the best quality, but it does show Landon kicking around in his boots. His purple camo, GIRLS boots! Yep,we're bad parents and on a whim (with lack of options) decided to buy Landon these boots because (1) we were literally on our way up to the snow and (2) it was the ONLY PAIR in the store that fit him. We figured, oh well, they're cheap, and he's only going to wear them once or twice when we go to the snow. Well, as it turns out, the kid thinks his purple camo boots are pretty cool and wants to wear them every where. On our walks, to Target or the market and even around the house. I'm sure it's only a matter of time before dressing himself becomes even more hysterical...

Until next time...have a great week!