Words most often attributed to Gabriel: monster, hyper, speedy, strong, stubborn, lovable, independent, bulldozer
Some of the latter sound much worse than they are but I can assure you are all said with affection. It is just that Gabriel is growing into a very strong willed child or I should say he always has been. His toddler years will no doubt continue to be formidable. It is a good thing we aren't opponents in life or else I'd be a little worried. I find that our more gentle parenting practices that worked quite well with our oldest children are not always the easiest things to put into action with Gabriel but we are steadfast and eventually we make some headway.
The past few weeks have been challenging as Gabriel has been biting more and also hitting. I know it is partly due to a developmental growth he is challenged and frustrated with. I've been working with him on signing more and using some verbal cues. He isn't a big talker so I know it is a challenge for him to get adults to understand him. I imagine it makes seemingly trivial, easy actions for him much harder. Leah and Louis are great with working on it with him and while they do not appreciate being bitten or hit they continue to find patience in dealing with his tantrums. The past week or so he has begun to enjoy naming objects around the house and is sitting for longer periods of time to read. Already I've started to notice a decrease in his level of frustration and angst.
He loves sports, not necessarily watching them but playing them. He is active and loves to be as rough and tumble as possible. He'll tackle you to the floor and smother you with hugs and kisses. Then do it all over again. Louis started gymnastics and Gabriel loves to copy all the things he sees his older brother doing. The more physical the play the happier Gabriel is.
He is a cuddly, lovable guy too. He still wants to nurse and relax with me a few times during the day. He will climb out of his bed and lay with us at night, though most days he prefers his own space.
Overall I can tell this past month that he is less of our baby and trying to assert himself as one of the tots in the house. He wants what his big brother and big sister have. Just like them. The 'big kid' fork and wants to sit with us at the table, not in his highchair. It isn't always easy to meet his desires/demands but we are making an effort.
He LOVES Dora. I don't get it but it is currently his favorite show to watch with Matt at night.
21 Month Milestones
Mastered Skills (most children can do)
Can walk up steps
Enjoys helping around the house
Can set simple goals (e.g. deciding to put a toy in a certain place)
Emerging Skills (half of children can do)
Can throw a ball overhand
Can kick a ball
Can make building brick towers
Advanced Skills (A few children can do)
Can name a cat or dog when you show a picture
Can make a short sentence (me go)
Can walk down stairs
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