His temperament and self assertiveness has gained more definition. Which also means we have stepped up efforts on defining boundaries and disciplining. Initially, it was a real showdown. He'd cry and throw himself backwards, and if we leave him on the floor, just go prostrate in fury. This can go on for quite a while. Now, he'd scream and pout. But the duration is not as long, and a stern look or low stern voice will do the trick to get him to quieten down. The pout is still there though, but I think it's quite cute. =) not that i'd ever let Ignatius know though. haha
His likes and dislikes goes in cycles. This week Mommy will be in fashion, next, it'll be Daddy. Some days, we're both rejected. Food is the same, which drives me nuts. This week brussel sprouts are out of fashion, next week will be fish, and the following, brocolli. It's worse than cooking for Daddy! But, at least he's eating. 1 breakfast (pancakes, muesli, cereal) and small bottle of milk, lunch (at least 1 rice bowl), 1 bottle of milk for tea, and 1 full dinner (about 1.5 rice bowls) and fruits, and snacking on our food when we have dinner. Surprisingly, he stands at 50-75% percentile for both his height and weight, though 95% for head circumference!
His finer motor skills that I worried so much about, has also starting improving. We used to wonder when he'd ever be able to do things like self feeding, block stacking, wearing his clothes, potty trained, ... the list is endless.
Guess there is a time for every skill. It was almost overnight that he learnt how to use the spoon. First dig into food, move spoon and food towards side of bowl, drag upwards, lift off, move sideways to mouth, open wide, shovel in. Job done. It's quite cute to watch, and I feel the exhilaration still evertime he succeeds 100%.
As for the clothes, we have fun taking off and putting on his clothes together. It helps a lot that their limb/body proportion is starting to look more adult. We used to giggle that his hand, when raised upwards, does not go further than the top of his head! Now, the top of the head is about aligned with the wrist. So, he can pull his shirt off his head. He's also very familiar with the "hand jerk down", which will remove his arm from his sleeve, and the "upward punch", which will put his arm into the sleeve. Now I'm trying to get him to pull and adjust his shirt down his torso after he's put it on. As for the pants, he's into the "step in, step out" routine, but no where near pull down and pull up yet.
His speech has been...ok. The rate at which he is able to imitate new words has been ok. But still not very good at stringing more than 3-4 words together. Maybe it'll improve with childcare starting in October.
He understands us very well though. He knows what we are trying to communicate through our words, and no actions really needed. Sometimes he'll gamely go along with us, other times he wants to show his might, and protests. Some days are good, some days are bad.
One thing that is becoming clear, is that he's a really affectionate boy. Hugs and kisses are a plenty. He always has a Hello Aunty or Bye Bye to spare for the stranger in the lift. Food is communal. I'm quite happy with this, as I think I've subconsciously structured it this way. I think Daddy is slightly worried he's becoming over affectionate though. haha
He is a highly excitable boy. When he walks, sorry...runs, he screams to make sure you know he's heading your way. And lately, he's been doing the duckwalk. It's really cute! And he repeats as he waddles in full squat position "duck wok, duck wok".
If we think back, it's truly mind boggling actually...the development our little boy has shown. We remember exactly how he was like at his 1st year birthday party. Just SIX months ago! I think most mommies with toddlers this age will agree at how astounding their capacity for development is.
said...
only 1 thing to say.. yucks.. brussel sprouts!! sorry abt that. heee..
the past 6 mths has been amazing in every dept, esp his speech and teeth! M was the last to have his 1st tooth, made us wait for that 1st tooth. now? only 6 to go!
good for ignatius at self feeding. M figured it was faster to use his hands than spoon to feed himself rice! hee..
said...
brussel sprouts not nice? not towgay leh...the round round one that looks like mini cabbage...
oh ya the hands...i'm always trying to keep them out of his food. =)