The J-man has a new and exciting talent – the ability to say a whole phrase. That phrase? “My name is ‘J-man’!”
It goes like this:
Mama: My
J-man: muh-muh
J-man: na-na
Mama: name
J-man: i-i
Mama: is
J-man: na-na!
Mama: ‘J-man’!
[We assume you know that neither 'na-na' nor 'J-Man' is his name, and in both instances he and Mary got his name right. 
]
He’s getting so big, and it seems like it’s all of a sudden. We had to switch to Good Nites instead of the Huggies Overnights because he outgrew the size 5s in what seemed like a week. He’s wearing “big boy shoes” every day now, and thankfully the Preschoolians came in, because the other shoes were getting harder and harder to put on. He’s VERY clear about what food/drink he wants now, and will go over and BANG on the picture if he thinks you are ignoring him. Tonight was the best stair-climbing he’s ever done, with very little leaning on me.
In terms of communication, it seems like a lightbulb went on over his head. Now he gets that if he makes the sound, he gets what he’s asking for. He’s so proud of himself – now he runs around and bangs on his belly and yells.
My little boy is growing up, right before my eyes.
Yesterday and today, J-man wore what we call “big boy shoes.” That means shoes with a sole that is NOT simply a piece of leather. Yes, shoes with rubber soles. Shoes that are made for running around outside. Shoes like big boys wear!
The first time, the OT put them on him. I understand it involved essentially sitting with him on the floor, and holding one of his legs down with her leg, while shoving the other foot into a shoe. (I’m imagining some sort of professional wrestling pretzel-type move.) I understand it wasn’t a pleasant experience, and I expected that to be the case when we tried it later. However, the Wonder Pets (best show ever) was on, and it was pretty darn simple. Today, on the other hand, the first time I tried it I ended up throwing one of the shoes across the rug in frustration! Then, something like 10 minutes later, I tried it again, and Voila! Easy peasy. Who knows what tomorrow will bring? (Only the Shadow knows…)
Also, the J-man slept for 13 straight hours last night. I think that has happened once before in his entire life, and I think he was recovering from an illness then. Since he hadn’t napped in forever, I guess last night was a catch-up night. I was totally for it.
Tomorrow we have Speech Therapy, and we have the appointment at the audiologist. The appointment is right when we normally put the J-man down for his nap. Good times. Good times.
It rained heavily today. It was wonderful for our area, since we are in the worst drought in recorded history. However, J-man didn’t understand why he couldn’t go outside to play. We actually have to spell O-U-T around him because if he hears the word, he wants to go! Personally, I have no problems playing in the rain; I used to do it all the time – as long as there wasn’t thunder or lightning.
J-man, though, refuses to wear “real” shoes. He wears those little leather-bottomed shoes (like Robeez) but protests wildly when we try to put shoes with a firm sole on his feet. If we can even get real shoes on him, he then spends however long it takes him getting them OFF. A doctor suggested Crocs, which J-man can then slip off immediately. So, playing in the cold rain isn’t an option, because we don’t have any way to keep his feet dry.
I’ve tried reasoning with him in this regard, and then I remember that he’s 2… and as everyone who has ever met a 2 year old knows, logic usually doesn’t enter into the equation.
Today J-man had preschool in the morning then took a long nap in the afternoon, so it wasn’t as bad as it could have been. Tomorrow though will be interesting when he wants to go O-U-T.
Anyone have any ideas for shoes that could help him transition into “real shoes?” We’re hitting the limit on sizing for those leather-bottomed shoes from Target!
As an aside, let me just say that working from home rocks! I took a 1/2 hour power-nap on my lunch hour – in my own bed! I had hot cocoa with marshmallows at 2:30 this afternoon because I was chilly from watching the pouring rain outside the window. Yeah… I could learn to live with this.
