Theo, almost two-and-a-half, has changed so much in the last six months, he’s like a new person. Language acquisition and an increased attention span have made life radically easier. I no longer worry that a small disaster is underway if I go to the bathroom or turn my head for a moment. Don’t get me wrong, he doesn’t really eat; he’s high energy, prone to yelling “Stop it!”, and if over stimulated or exhausted, there will be kicking and screaming. Still, compared to the flighty, pre-verbal under two stage, this feels like a little golden age of toddlerdom.
Quietly colouring at a cafe?!
Here are some of the AMAZING changes.
- He sleeps! Since he turned two, he’s been sleeping ten hours without a nap or 12-13 with a nap.
- He goes to bed easily: We have a system and so far it works. He doesn’t put up much of a fuss and there are rarely tears involved.
- He’s developed a, gasp, attention span: He can play with his cars or trains or “wash” dishes, for up to half an hour at a time. He’ll watch a 20-minute episode of The Wiggles. Heck, he’ll even colour at a cafe!
- He has a laugh-out-loud sense of humour: Getting jokes is a revelation. Whether it’s Pingu (a seal and a fish) or the BareNaked Ladies Snack Time CD (when they yell “popcorn!” or “umami”), all elicit contagious, hysterical laughter.
- If I tell him where we’re going (aquarium, No-Frills, friends, relatives, playground, pretty much anywhere), he’ll come willingly.
- He’s a big-time cuddler, smoocher. He’s happy to share the love if you’re in need of a good hug.
- He fills in the blanks in books and music: If we read a line from a frequently read book, he’ll say the last word in the sentence. He’ll do the same for CDs.
- He walks to and from the car and gets in and out of his car seat with no help. My back thanks him for this.
- He even MORE enthusiastic than before: “Mama Moon! Look! Look! Moon!” MAMA Clouds!” “MAMA TRUCK!” This can go on for an hour. Everything … I mean EVERYTHING is SO EXCITING!!
I know, I know. This too shall pass. Well for now, I’m going to savour it.
If you have a toddler, did you experience a little golden phase? Or maybe you’re in one. Do tell!
Fun times!
What a great time! With Adam, being two meant that he suddenly had the vocabulary to provide a running commentary on his life. Which was simultaneously awesome and exhausting. It also meant that he was definitely no longer a baby. With Leah, I felt like I had extended infanthood, and we’re only now entering that incredible stage where everything is exciting and she can tell me why.
Either way, I love this stage of seeing the world through my child’s eyes.
i need a dose of Theo
Yeah, when they start to talk it’s amazing! My son is now 17 months & has started talking all the time in the last few weeks. Our conversations are a bit like the one you described at the end of your post, though just single words. He loves the Christmas tree & points at the decorations “Baow! Baow! Baow!” (ball), then the star on top, “Daoh! Daoh!”
Still waiting for him to walk more than three steps at once though. Looking forward to the getting-out-of-the-carseat stage.
I didn’t really see the attention span develop until Jo was about 3 and its still pretty brief. Mostly she’s able to watch a few minutes of TV or a movie now. She developed a little attention span about the same time that we adopted K, who, of course, has NO attention span. Thus, we start over…
I honestly can’t remember a golden stage of toddlerhood. What I do remember is moments of transcendence, and moments of screaming fury, all mixed together.
My son, who is a more easy-going kid in general may have gone through a phase like Theo, but with a big sister always poking at him it changes the dynamic.
Isn’t it totally awesome?! I think that stage starts soon after they start talking. Our kiddo is 3 now and it’s even better. I can’t remember his last tantrum. He has opinions now, which can be a fight but I’ll take that over kicking and screaming any day:) The only tears from him these days are ones we understand like when he hurts himself or when we yell at him and hurt his feelings. He’ll tell us!
Life is pretty awesome these days with our 3 year old. He loves to play games, tell us stories, is always asking for hugs and kisses, and just says the funniest things. He can read books from memory, knows many songs by heart, and is getting good at doing puzzles! I can keep going on and on about the great things. Just don’t ask me about eating;) No, even that isn’t so bad really.
Yea! Good to hear! Actually truth be told, Theo rarely tantrums, but eating … jeesh… not really his thing … yet … I hope
Yes! Life is much easier, not as many tantrums. I know recognize the signs when he’s had enough and he’s hungry or tired or just trying to get his way. He can talk more now so there’s less frustration on his part. He loves to spend time with little people, so I am now scheduling every morning in the week for activities. I can now put on one of his favourite shows and I get 30 min of peace.
My son’s just a few months behind Theo. I’ve been regretting his resort to throwing/kicking/hitting until I headed up north a few days ago to visit family. Seeing so many babies made me much less wistful than I expected, and much more delighted that I can communicate with my son now. And if I make sure he’s well rested? Much less physical acting out! I’m pretty happy with this stage, and getting more and more insight into my son’s head.
Fun! I can’t wait til Jay can talk more
[...] Two-year-olds can be terrific. Theo sleeps well, has developed focus. and finds a lot of things HILARIOUS! [...]