Mr. Independent

We seem to have reached a tenuous detente with the Nugget. The many tips and support I received from family and friends were so helpful! Thanks to each and every one of you for commiserating, sharing stories of your own battles with 2.5ers, and reminding me that this too shall pass. I think I was stuck mourning the 2 year old stage he was in, clinging to how much I adored it, instead of helping the Nugget plunge ahead and rejoicing in his new-found bravado and independence.

The Nugget is a driven child, strong-willed, and determined. He gets this from his Daddy, his Tummy Mummy, and his Gammi. He may not be on the pediatrician's timeline or be capable of doing what his peers are doing at any given moment, but when he decides he's ready for something, he is going to do it. To put it in running terms, he's a slow pacer with a big kick! Getting in his way is like trying to stop a stampeding rhino. This tenacity is going to really serve him later in life. He will win his battles - I pray and hope that he chooses to fight for the weak, to stand up for those without a voice. I know he is capable of making big positive changes in this world.

When I decided to let go of my silly adult agenda (getting out of the house each morning, wearing both socks, etc.) and let the Nugget grow and practice new skills, oh how he has blossomed. Don't get me wrong, we continue to enforce limits, but overall, we're embracing "I do it" this week. I am so humbled and thankful that God has put the Nugget in my life, has entrusted this little spirit to Hubby and me. As much as I am trying to teach him and help him grow, this little soul is the best teacher I have ever had.

For now, here are some of his latest accomplishments! After the paint chip incident, I am entitled to do some bragging!

1. Read/memorized his first book at 2.5! Peek-a-Who by Nina Laden.

2. Dresses and undresses (shirt, socks, shoes, bibs, pants, training pants, pjs, slippers) with verbal help only. Yes, it still takes forever, but he gets faster each time. Buttons seek to thwart him, but zippers, snaps, and velcro have succumbed to his nimble fingers. He has yet to conquer winter outerwear, which is why we are still mainly housebound.

3. Sitting in an adult chair, no booster, no highchair. I miss the straps, but he's gotten much better at sitting and staying put until the meal is over. My fabric-covered Ikea chairs are getting a little sticky but thank goodness for my Biokleen (we should have bought stock during the reflux days), it's just a couple extra minutes of cleaning.

4. Puts all dirty laundry in the laundry bag and trash in the trash can.

5. Opens and recycles junk mail.

6. Vacuums with a dustbuster.

7. Can serve himself a juice box (we like the pre-diluted Motts for Tots boxes for travel), meaning he can unwrap the straw, insert it, and drink it without a mess.

8. Likes to clean up his own messes. You can thank me later, future Nugget spouse.

9. Hosted a very peaceful playdate yesterday. It could have been a fluke, but yesterday he chose to share his toys, take turns, offer toys and hugs to friends, and even wave bye-bye without tears.

Dear Nugget,

I know it's been a rough few weeks, and I hope you will always find it in your heart for forgive Mommy and Daddy for their shortcomings. Being a first-born means that you are helping us learn how to be parents. We don't always have the answers, but we always, always, always love you. We are so proud of the person you are becoming. It is an honor to be -

Your loving Mommy.