(26 Months) - 2 Years and 2 Months

26 months. Yup, still going strong with this monthly photo/update thing. I'll never get mine to look like the real bloggers (as seen here and here and here or here) - Patti, if you're reading this, we SO need a lesson in lighting. Or maybe shooting RAW? But regardless, I'm loving the chalkboard background for this year ...

The Bean is as much of a 2-year-old as ever. She's mostly sweet, but sassy too. She's working on her "listening" skills, like when I ask her to please leave her shoes on while we're in public. Or request she not touch my coffee. Or scream in the car. For the love of all things, please do not scream that high-pitched velociraptor squeal at the top of your lungs while I drive. Please. Pretty please?!? I'll give you a bar ...

She's still wearing undies like a champ, but is not without accidents. She still poops mostly in her diaper in the night/morning. She LOVES to pee outside - it never fails that if we're at the park she tells me "potty!" and is delighted to squat where the grass meets the trees. She still loves singing together, playing outside and at the park, lovin' on her babies, and we've recently started swimming more regularly with Beebee. She doesn't need any help on the playground equipment anymore, and seems less shy than in previous months.

I, of course, am more fascinated by her developing communication and cognition than anything else, so tend to keep notes about what she says more than what she does. Most days she reminds me of Yoda, funky syntax, and squat little body. The quotes are taken out of context - and don't include that adorable toddler girl voice or variable intonation - so don't read as funny or cute as they play out in real life. But they help me remember this time in her life nonetheless.

Francie's Deep Thoughts:

"Daddy farts sometimes."

"That man, sleepin'."

"No more talkin' mama daddy."

"Nice yoga, mama?" (with her head cocked to a 45 degree angle)

"Daddy pick up today. Mama get money." (that's her way of saying I'm headed to work)

Me: "Do you think the car smells a little funny?"
Her: "Like dog poop!"

"Nice day?" (head cocked to 45 degrees again)

Me, about her play wallet: "Whatcha got in there?"

Her: "Money."

Me: "What kind of money?"

Her: "Dog money."

Me: "Hmm, what's dog money?"

Her: "Um. Poop."

"Mama like see cuddle. Make heart so happy."

 "Daddy have boobies?"

"Francie bigger wear this belt."

"Some lotion on hands too?"

"Mama pick you up." (she still confuses pronouns, which can be, well, confusing)

"Please want Cheerios mama."

"Mama like Francie have boots."

"Beebee so happy swim Francie and Mama."

Me: "What did you do at school today?"

Her: "Um, nuthin'."


And a few favorite photos from this last month ...

#selfiebomb

Cutest. Smile. Ever.

Swimming - sans mama!

Salt n Straw.

She totally pulled one over on me. See how I have a tiny nub of a cone? That's her ice cream that she ate down to the quick, then asked me for a taste of mine. And promptly stole it. REFUSING to give it back.

Geode smashing with Beebee.

Cheeseface/Stinkface.

Handmade by Dee. The dress, not the kid.

Gus kisses.

Swinging irises.

These three.

#friendslikefamily

Who's taller?

Boone's 1st birthday cake. The Bean was the only person he "shared" with (she stole it. seriously.).