Two-riffic!

Gabriel turning 2 was a big event for us. He could very likely be the last child in our family so for right now he's our baby. He is loving and affectionate, continues to be a charmer and mischievous all at once.  This is the stage of toddlerhood often referred to as the 'terrible 2s' but honestly there isn't much of that. By child #3 we know what is age appropriate behavior for a tot and it makes it easier on all of us to remember that 'this too shall pass'.

He continues to amaze us with his physical abilities and hand-eye coordination. His gross motor skills continue to develop rapidly. He has followed his big brother's footsteps and started gymnastics. Right now we're doing the Mommy and Me class until he matures a bit more and can follow the coach around without needing my extra supervision.

We've also seen growth with his language and in turn also seen a decrease in his frustration and aggression. He loves to sing and will pick up the lyrics to songs he hears very quickly. He has these motor-mouthlike moments where he is just nonstop and you have to wonder if he even stops to take a breath. He speaks in full sentences and I've noticed others are understanding him better. I still have those moments where I have to wonder what he is saying. He'll just keep repeating it until I get it. I've noticed he is starting to identify colors, identify letters and has started counting. We continue to just include these things in our every day interactions--no need for formality. He loves blocks and anything he can manipulate, drill, pound etc.

Socially, like his older siblings, he seeks out other kids to play with. He is learning that at his age his peers are sometimes less interested in playing with him and would prefer to still play alongside him.

He continues to be a fan of walking and does not appreciate it when others try to force him into strollers or to hold hands. We're working on safety lessons so he can relish in his independence but still keep safe.

He loves to do everything for himself. He brushes his teeth (10 times a day if you let him), wash and dry his hands, helps get himself dressed and undressed and tells us when he needs a diaper change. He is more than ready to be diaper-free and at home he usually is. We'll likely go completely diaper-free in the next month or so.

Mastered Skills (most children can do)
Can name at least six body parts on a doll
Half of speech is understandable
Can make short sentences

Emerging Skills (half of children can do)
Starts talking about self
Can arrange things in categories
Can walk down stairs

Advanced Skills (a few children can do)
Begins to understand abstract concepts like sooner and later
Becomes attuned to gender differences

Learns to jump