Gavin James is 2!

My we've come a long way in just a short two years, and we've arrived at a very wonderful place. My sweet little guy, who introduced me to stress like I've never known when he was an infant, has turned into one of the funniest little creatures. I may be biased, but everything he does makes me laugh. Like the other day, he was sitting in the shopping cart at Sprouts and shouted "Apple!" "Tomato!" "Hot Dog!" "Chicken!" "Yogurt!" when we would walk by said item. Or when he puts a blanket over his head and says "Where'd Gavin go?" but keeps walking until he runs into something. Or how he says "Hi, Mama!" or "Hi, Daddy!" on repeat all day long. Nothing he says is in a normal volume. It's all said with tons of enthusiasm and gusto. He's a spirited little guy, and I would hope he hangs onto this zest for life for a long, long time.

It hasn't always been a walk in the park with Gavin, and he still poses many challenges for me. He is so stubborn, and he wants what he wants. He's always been this way, even as a baby, but with some improved communication skills, it's getting easier on all of us. It may just be the toddler in him, but he flat out refuses our demands much of the time. And if he's not happy, he lets you know loud and clear, whether we're at home or in the middle of a quiet library. Subtlety is not his forte. We've got some challenges to tackle head of us...potty training, moving into a bed, and things like learning manners, sitting still through a meal and being a courteous member of society. I'm sure with some time and a lot of effort on our part he will become a better listener and more cooperative little fellow, and hopefully he'll hang onto that little part of himself that's not afraid to express how he truly feels and go after what he wants in life.

Gavin's obsession with tractors, trucks, cars and basically anything that moves is still going strong. He knows the names of tons of construction vehicles, and my favorite thing that he says is "grapple skidder." He loves to push the lawnmower or shopping cart around and takes at least one car or vehicle with him everywhere we go. His favorite show is PAW Patrol, and while I'm not completely opposed to screen time, I try not to over-indulge. However, this particular show has saved us much distress...it'll always grab his attention if he's melting down, and it's like a reset button. Once it's over, he's usually happy again. His eating has slowed and become more toddler-like, and he has grown to prefer hot dogs and mac and cheese over pretty much anything else, much to my chagrin. But somehow he's still topping the charts for growth at the 90th percentile for height and weight, and so picking him up has become increasingly difficult with my expanding size and decreasing energy.

I just love my little bundle of joy who, if he's in the wrong kind of mood, is exactly the opposite of a bundle of joy sometimes. But when he's sweet, he's so, so sweet. He's a good little snuggler if you read him a book, and he's generous with his hugs. He gives really good hugs and rests his head on your shoulder and pats your back. He's playful and laughs so hard when you tickle him or chase him, and he's quite the little parrot. He's not great at answering questions, but he'll repeat back almost anything you say to him. He is such a chatterbox, but I don't mind hearing his tiny toddler voice all day long. He's 100% boy and loves to get dirty and climb and loves, loves, loves to be around people. He's a miniature Dylan in that way, and also because he's got short legs and a long torso, just like his dad. I'm excited and possibly a little nervous to see what the next year brings as Gavin learns and grows more and becomes a big brother. All I know is that it gets better and better, and year 3 should be no exception!