Catching up (24 month post)

Many of you have commented that it has been several months since we have posted an "x month update" post reporting Leo's milestones for the month. The truth is that the summer and fall have been particularly busy and stressful with new jobs and a big move, and we just haven't had the time or energy. But, things are starting to settle down somewhat (although we're still just as busy!) so in honor of Leo's 2nd birthday we are doing a catchup update post.

Today Leo started to say "I love you" very clearly. He has been increasingly articulate all month, although he maintains many cute toddlerish pronunciations and inflections (which, unfortunately are hard to recreate phonetically in writing). He's been saying "Happy" a lot to let us know when he is happy and often asks for "music." Leo has also started identifying letters and can usually get R, U, O, but often he'll just call everything C (just like everything is colored green until you tell him the right answer, then he gets it).

This week Leo has permanently graduated to the next room up at daycare and all of his old teachers are sad to see him go (although they still see him all the time). His new teachers enjoy him very much and comment on what a lovely disposition he has (they don't get to see the lovely tantrums he throws at home!). He likes his friends at daycare, but Mason from across the street is still his best bud. He talks about him all the time and asks for him whenever he sees their house.

Last night Leo and Mason and the parents all went trick or treating together. It was so much fun and we had a blast. Leo went as a dragon and Mason (and his folks) went as bicyclists, complete with helmets and reflector lights. The boys rode in the wagon between houses and went up and back to each house together, egging each other on to hurry up if one was slow. They charmed everyone and behaved very well, occasionally saying thank you and goodbye (although not trick or treat) and politely only took one (or two) piece(s) of candy.

After we got home we watched the Charlie Brown Great Pumpkin special on DVD and let Leo have a little candy. We didn't carve a pumpkin at home, but he got to play with pumpkin guts at daycare.

Tuesday Leo had his two-year well baby check-up and he passed with flying colors. He's 27 lbs and 34" which puts him at 40% for height and weight, and his head is in the 60% range. The doctor said he was a good looking boy and that the only shots he needed were his flu shot. We were all caught up on vaccinations, although I swore there were some at the 24 mo. mark.

We celebrated Leo's birthday by inviting Mason and his folks over Friday night for cake (homemade carrot cake with cream cheese frosting, which Mason and everyone else liked by Leo didn't really get into). Grandpop and Grandma Dunn were here visiting and on Saturday morning we all went with Mason and his folks to Curtis Orchard. Unfortunately it had rained a lot on Friday, so everything was cold and muddy, so we didn't spend as long as we might have. But, we got to see the baby goats, try the fresh apple donuts, and play with the tractor before it was time to go home. Leo got a big wagon for his birthday and loves going for walks in it. We especially like to do the 2 mile loop at Meadowbrook Park. We always see lots of other walkers, joggers, bikers, and dogwalkers. Leo got lots of other presents that he likes a lot, but perhaps the hit of the birthday was the card from my sister, which played the "hamster dance" song when you opened it.


Leo is still enjoying the Signing Time show very much and has started using more of the less common signs. We got him 3 more of the DVDs for his birthday. He will sit still for an entire 30 minute episode.