Turo at Two

During our visit to the pediatrician today, we had to identify typical two-year old tasks Turo can or cannot perform. For most of the items, we were able to mark “most of the time.” Inspired by this, I decided to create my own list of Turo activities to highlight his current development.

Language – I’m guessing Turo knows about 150 words. I was reading a journal entry I made four months ago (which was the last time I wrote in it) and I listed about 20 words. His vocabulary has just blossomed. He can hear a word a couple of times and he files it away. Then it later pops out in the correct context, and I’m always a little surprised. He still uses the Amharic word for “give me” which makes me happy. Pronouns are a challenge. He refers to himself as “you” – as in “carry you,” “push you.” Or he’ll point to his picture and say “you.” I’m not sure how this one sorts itself out, but I’m guessing at some point it will. My favorites: love you, hug (sometimes he just asks for one in the middle of playing), hi baby (which he says with affection when I go into his room after a nap) and hand sanitizer (because it’s so random).

Play – In the last couple of months, Turo has started to pretend. The first time I noticed this was when he took the pot holders out of the drawer, put playdough on a baking sheet, put it in his “oven” and said “hot.” It’s fun to watch him take care of his baby, turn into a dog or make believe the hanger is a trombone.

Current interests – Turo continues to love anything related to the marching band. His friend Simon was over last weekend and they both marched around the house with their instruments (random objects). He also enjoys trucks, blocks, playdough and baking.

Behavior– Most of the time Turo is a happy, joyful little boy. He waves at random people and pretty much charms those around him. The ladies at the gym daycare adore him, and he has made friends at the local bakery. We have seen some of the more challenging toddler behaviors begin to emerge. Tantrums, for one, have started to occur with more frequency. Yesterday he melted down at the library when we had to leave. He was crying and begging me to go “back, back.” I have started giving him numerous warnings before we transition, but it doesn’t always work. We also have had to develop some consequences for inappropriate behavior. So far his worst transgression is throwing silverware at the table. When this happens, we turn his chair from us and remind him to hold the spoon/fork. Then he pleads, “hold it, hold it” so he can rejoin us. I’ve had to work hard to keep from cracking up when the fork flies across the table (I’m not always successful.)

Attachment – I think Turo gets that we are a family. Turo is giddy when Jose comes home for work or when I pick him up at the gym child care. Although Turo is friendly and outgoing, he checks back with us in unfamiliar settings. For several months he’d cry when I’d leave the house or drop him off at child care, but now he seems to understand that I’ll be back and puts up less of a fuss (if any at all).

I'm continually amazed by this kid. He cracks me up, takes my breath away and fills me with such joy (sometimes simultaneously). I love this little boy, my son!