Toddler See, Toddler Do Week 3 and 4

With our recent week away I have been behind on my weekly posts. In fact I have consecutively missed two weeks. And boy...In those two weeks, Leo has certainly been living up to the word toddler.

We have had more bumps, falls and clumsy moments in the last fortnight than I have ever known. It all started with a topple off the sofa, that even brought tears to the eyes of my little solider. Who never ever really makes a fuss when he falls. Leo was standing up on the sofa and deliberately falling against me. He laughed when I caught him and then he would repeat the entire process again. Only this time he lost his balance and plummeted to the floor, even though my reflexes went to prevent him doing so. They were just not quick enough. I dusted him off and cuddled him close and within a few minutes, the fall was not even a distant memory in his mind.

While we have been away there have been 2 falls out of bed, due to the fact that Leo point blank refused to go back in his cot when he awoke in the night. I always knew Leo was a little fidget bum, but watching him rival around and move all over the bed. Up and down. I could see why he was falling out, and resigned myself to staying awake while he was in my bed. Once he was sound asleep I transferred him back and he was non the wiser. 

For good measure there is one more bump to report. His Great Aunt and Great Granny took him out for a walk. I know it sounds awful but as soon as they left I knew that he would come back with a bump or graze, and sure enough while they were out Leo fell over and gave himself a lovely bump on the head. 

The clumsiness could be because he is dancing up a storm, when Leo hears a tune he likes he begins to dip his legs and boogie. We must look a right sight doing our special little dance moves! This little party trick is becoming more and more regular and everyone is thoroughly enjoying his special dance routine.

Leo is copying facial expressions, and recently mimicked me clenching my teeth together and pulling a funny face. I was so tickled when Leo greeted me with the same facial expression back. Just the other night he was rolling around on the bed watching X-Factor and giving me the face over and over again. Especially when Daddy told him he had to go to bed. Cheeky monkey.

I have mentioned in recent weeks that Leo's temper is becoming more apparent. This is still progressing and over this week he has started clenching both his fists together in a display of frustration. He will then growl while shaking his clenched fists up and down. I don't know how, or even why he has suddenly began to do this. I couldn't even say where he has pickled it up, but it is something that I truly hope he outgrows. Soon! 

I have had to start telling Leo off for hitting out at me, as soon as he does it I put him down and I explain why I have done so. I will not tolerate hitting. This often makes him do it again, like it is some kind of game, but I am determined that he will not do this. This often results in the clenched fists scenario...

With this temper though, he has more of a soft side. He gives me loving cuddles and when he is un-sure, shy or tired I get so many beautiful huggles. It is so great having such an affectionate little man. All be it on his terms...

When Leo isn't running around like the little monster that he is, he can be so very gentle. He demonstrated just how gentle he can be by giving our Cat soft strokes. He was great with her and she sat there lapping up all the attention that he was showering her with. Each time the Cat nuzzled in he would giggle, and then when she missed her footing and fell on his lap, he was in fit's of giggles. 

In the past fortnight Leo has had 4 new teeth come through. Giving us a total of 8 teeth. Or round abouts as I cannot get my finger in to have a proper feel, but from what I can see he is now inundated with lots of pearly whites. They have come from no where and I have not even noticed any distress from Leo. One of the new teeth is one of the back ones that I have heard many babies really struggle with.  

Leo is coming out with new words and making up his own little language. He has lot's to say even if we don't have a clue what he is talking about. 

'Down'

'Star'

'No'

'Mum'

'Dad'

'Bear'

'Granddad'

These are some of the words he is now coming out with, as and when he feels like it. It won't be long before he is a little chatter box!

Leo has finally discovered the magic that comes from flushing the toilet, much to my horror of course. He has been flushing the toilet over and over again. He has even discovered the joy of being a Andrex puppy...Let's just say that the house keepers who attended our room on our week away...Will wonder what on earth happend to all of our toilet roll...

What have your toddlers been up to? 

Have they reached any new milestones?

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When 'No' Makes You Cry

Just this evening Leo you awoke for the second time since I put you to bed. 

Your cheeks were all Red and you were feeling warm to the touch. I offered you milk and you shook your head to let me know this was not what you wanted.

I carried you downstairs thinking your teeth were the culprits in this scenario. I measured out the Calpol and offered it to you, where I was met with the same shake of the head. A firm no in your own special way. It was then Leo that you swiped your hands in a deliberate motion to knock the spoon away and out of my hands, resulting in the sticky calpol going all over your clean baby grow.

I looked you straight in the eyes and calmly said 'No, that's naughty' and for the first time ever in the history of me telling you 'No', your bottom lip quivered and you began to cry. A very different cry to your usual temper tantrums. It was a sad cry that really made me feel terrible. 

Guilty and Sorry.

I don't know what I said differently tonight that made you react like I had said the most hurtful things in the world, but you certainly did not like being told 'No'.

I said what I said firmly but I was not angry bubba. I did not really mind changing your baby grow after I had given you the biggest hug in the world, while stroking your beautiful face and kissing your little nose. 

I did not mind at all. 

I calmed you down and kept you close, and after calming you down and sitting quietly for a little while you did take your Calpol and had a bit more milk. There was no more shakes of your cheeky head tonight, and then you let me give you one more good night kiss before tucking you back into bed.

You then rolled over and snuggled into your favourite blankie and closing your eyes once more.

Goodnight baby boy.

I love you.

P.S - Will you be popping through a Fifth tooth any time soon? You may need some more at almost 13 months old. Let me know if I can help in any way.

Mummy

xx