Gus's Grandiose Gabble: 22 Months (March 11, 2012)

22 Months Old Today!!

I know each month I ask, "Where has the time gone??" But seriously, "WHERE HAS THE TIME GONE?!?!?"

Today Gus wasn't feeling well. I thought it might be teething, but I think he's coming down with something because he sounds hoarse and has a cough. If he's still sounding bad in the morning, I might call the doctor and see about taking him in. Not sure if it's worth the effort though... there's not much you can do for a cold.

It's hard to believe that Gus will be two in two months. His language is still at the tipping point where we just feel like any day now, he'll be speaking words that we understand. He does a great job of getting his point across though and we've eliminated any tantrums because of not being able to communicate. He does his baby sign and I am so thankful that I did it with him... he can get his very basic needs met through that, and is now saying, "Thank you" as well as "Please" out loud while doing the signs.

Gus's personality continues to develop and I see such a little turkey when I look at him. He's a silly boy and loves to do silly things to make us laugh. He enjoys laughing and finds random things humorous (like blowing into the empty Capri Sun pouch).

For the most part, he does everything that's asked of him. He does like to jump on the couch and doesn't stop when asked. He's been in time-out a few times, but each time it was for a major offense (hitting one of us and biting). Gus doesn't like to be in trouble and when he has been put in time-out, it was either just before a nap or just before bedtime. Which leads me to believe that it had something to do with being tired, rather than just not wanting to listen.

Here's what Great Beginnings says about Gus at 22 months:

How I Grow:

I am probably using one hand more than the other. (YES!! He's a lefty)
If you fold a paper, I can imitate you. (We're going to try this)
I can obey about three directions. (Yes!)

How I Talk:

I like to hear stories. (Yes and songs)
I can ask for things by name. (Some things)
I can point to five body parts on myself or my doll. (Yes)
I can help with simple tasks. (Gus LOVES to help!)

What I Have Learned:

I am really curious about people, animals, birds, and everything that I see. (YES!!)
I like listening to nursery rhymes, and if you help me, I can repeat them. (He doesn't repeat them yet)
I can recognize a picture in a book even when the book is upside down. (Yes)
I can build a tower of four or five blocks. (Gus loves to build things)

How I Get Along with Others

I'm beginning to be sympathetic to other people and I can sometimes cooperate with others. (YES!!! Gus is very empathetic)
I can show love to you and other favorite people. (Kisses and hugs are the best!!)
I'm becoming easier to get along with, but I still get demanding at times. (Absolutely)

What I Can Do for Myself:

I may be able to put things where they belong. (Yes!)
I can pick up and put away my toys if you will help me. (Yes!)
I like to sweep, dust, mop, hammer, vacuum, shovel, scoop, or rake because I have seen you do these things. (He LOVES to vacuum and sweep!!)

Play I Enjoy:

I can put rings on a spindle toy. (He loves his rings)
I like to pretend, like wrapping up my doll or stuffed animal and putting it to bed. (We haven't seen him do this, but he does play with his farm and farm animals)
My feelings are easily hurt by criticism. (Yes... and he makes the saddest little face when you've hurt his feelings)
I am continually testing the limits you set and trying to get my own way. (Yes he is!!)

Here's what What to Expect the Second Year has to say about months 22-24:

Most toddlers will probably be able to...

Kick a ball (YES)
Walk backward (YES-- and he goes up the stairs BACKWARD too!!)
Take off an article of clothing (YES)
Build a tower of four cubes (YES)
Imitate adult behavior (sweep, feed a doll, talk on a phone, and so on) (YES)
Identify at least two objects in pictures by naming them (YES)
Combine words (YES)
Say close to 50 words (Not sure... but maybe)
Show awareness of parental approval or disapproval (YES)

Half of all toddlers will be able to...

Balance on one foot (while holding on) (YES)
Put on an article of clothing (Almost)
Brush hair, wipe nose, or perform other basic hygiene skill with help (YES)
Show signs of potty-training readiness (YES)
Be understood when speaking about 1/2 of the time (Not really)
Say 50-70 words (No)
Ask "Why" and "What's this" questions (not yet, but he asks, "Where'd it go?" all the time
Talk about themselves ("Me want milk," "Jack go on swing") (NO)
Sing simple tunes (he's trying)
Take interest in playing with other children (YES)

Some toddlers may be able to...

Build a tower of eight blocks (YES)
Use prepositions (NO)
Carry on a conversation of 2 to 3 sentences (Maybe... but we can't tell what he's saying when he's talking to us)
Say 100+ words (No)

A few toddlers may be able to...