Getting What You Want

A CEO once told me I was the most tenacious person in his firm. However, having a two-year old has taught me that I have a lot to learn about tenacity.

- A two-year old is committed to what he wants.
- He will scream, cry, lay down on the floor, hit, bite - WHATEVER it takes to get what he wants.
- You may speak to him rationally about why he can't have or do what he wants. He probably won't be deterred.
- You may offer something other than what he wants but equally good or better. He may not be swayed.
- You may try to get him distracted by getting excited about something else. He may not be interested.
- Bribery, sweets, taking things away, time outs, threatening to give said bribe to another may or may not do the trick.
- He may counter with his own strategies. He may try to destract you. He may 'let' you think he is following your lead. But he won't stop until he gets what he wants. He is a force with which to be reckoned.

There is a single-mindedness in achieving the two-year old's objective. The will is strong. The techniques are effective.

To Larsson on Two (belated)

Larsson-
There were so many things I wanted to say and write to you on your birthday. I didn't get the writing part of it done, but figured today, as you become 25 months old, seemed like a good time.

You are getting to be such a big boy. Even though, when I ask you if you are a baby or a big boy, you reply, "baby." You have grown so much in so many ways. You run and play and try to keep up with the bigger kids. Yet are so sweet to the smaller kids and babies. You like to do what you want to do. And make it VERY embarrassingly clear when you are not pleased. But you also know when to say "Sorry" in that amazingly sweet voice.

You can say so many words and are so smart. You giggle and smile and flirt. You can give a high five, bones (aka pound), and do a fist pump. You can go in the big boy potty (sometimes). You make leaps and bounds every single day. And I love watching you grow, and I relish each and every stage.

You are my little love. My little monkey. My sweet cheeks. And my favorite times are holding you in my arms.

You are terrifically two, and I love you.

- Momma

Party Pics! Hippo Hopp Hurray for 2!

Pictures from Larsson's 2nd bday party. Aren't these kids adorable? Larsson had the best time with so many friends and family. A huge thank you to all who came and celebrated with us!

Photos by Julia Jones, Studio Refuge Photography

Larsson-isms

My do it. (translation: I want do it myself.)

Poppin' it, Mommy. (translation: Open it, Mommy.)

Meem up. Meem up. (translation: Clean up, clean up.)

Bopple. (translation: Apple.)

Peas. (translation: Please.)

Happy Birthday, Little Brandon!

Can't believe you are 12!

Larsson is looking forward to you coming up to stay with us for a weekend!

Happy Birthday, DeeTee

Happy Birthday, Auntie Rachel (aka DeeTee)!

Preview Pics

Family photos - preview. Larsson turns 2!