Toddler Tyler

It's been a long time since I've posted an update on Tyler. Like I say every time, I can't believe how fast he is growing. It's kind of sad. But the new things he does also make me excited. It's so fun to watch how he learns things.

Ty continues to speak his own language for the most part, which is hilarious. He talks with so much emotion and so many expressions on his face. Sometimes he's super excited, sometimes very serious, sometimes sad...I always wonder what stories he's telling, because he sure has a lot to say!

His favorite real words, in the order of frequency of use, are as follows:

-No
-Mas (more)
-Agua (water)
-Yum Yum
-Yes
-Elmo
-Hot
-Moo
-Meow
-Woof
-Duck

I love the way he says No most of the time. Occasionally it's an angry 'no' if he really doesn't want to do something, but most of the time, it's said so sweetly and accompanied by a smile and a shake of the head. Like, "Oh, you're so sweet for asking, but NO!"

One of Ty's favorite things to do is dance when he is pleased with something. Especially if he's eating something he really likes. If he's sitting, he puts his hands up, palms facing forward, fingers spread (almost spirit-finger-like) and shakes his whole body while waving his hands around. If he's standing, he puts his hands in the same position, does a slight squat, and dances in a circle. It's the funniest thing I've ever seen!

For the last couple of months Tyler has gotten the chance to go to nursery! The first day we took him, he stayed the whole time without us. The Sundays following were hit and miss, but last Sunday was the best. Ry and I are working in the nursery now and last Sunday was our first day. Ty had such a good time and I loved watching him! He played nicely with the other kids, and ate all his cookies during snack time (as well as all the other kids' leftovers) and tried to do the actions to the songs during singing time. He's also getting very good about helping to clean up when it's time. It's so fun to see him learn, and I'm so glad there is a nursery in this ward!

Tyler's favorite TV shows right now are Sesame Street, Sid the Science Kid, Super Why, and Barney. I know! Barney?? I swore I would never let my child watch that show. But he saw it once and he loves it. He really likes all the singing. So whatever. The show is annoying, but I really don't think it's going to scar him or anything. Maybe when he gets older I'll teach him the "Barney's hanging from a tree" version of the song. ;)

One of the most exciting things that happened this month was that Ty went poop on the potty for the first time. I was in the bathroom getting ready to go somewhere and Tyler came in and stood next to the toilet and pointed to his bum. I didn't really think he wanted to use the toilet, but he kept pointing and then lifted up the lid. So I took off his diaper and set him on the toilet. He pushed and pushed and nothing happened, so I asked if he was done. He said no. So we sat some more and he smiled and did his little dance while we sang "Poop on the potty is fun to do." And then he went! Then he grabbed the toilet paper and swiped his back with it and threw it in the toilet. It was so cute! He was very proud of himself. I have to admit that I shed a couple of tears. It's a big deal, and it means my baby boy is not a baby anymore! The next day we went and bought a little potty chair for him. We haven't started formal "potty training" yet, but he loves sitting on it. I think he'll be ready pretty soon.

Tyler also loves to walk around in his daddy's shoes.

And he's just as mischievous as ever.

One of the funniest things that happened last month was at Matt's farewell. We were eating in the backyard and Ryan thought he would be funny and pour a little water on Ty's head. Ty laughed and then about ten minutes went by and Ryan went and lay down on a blanket and closed his eyes. Tyler came and got my water, walked over to Ryan...and calmly poured the rest of the water on Ryan's head. It was hilarious!

I think my favorite thing about my little boy right now is that he is so cuddly and loving. He loves giving "besitos" (kisses) and hugs. Sometimes he'll be busy playing and he'll stop and want to sit on my lap and give me hugs. It melts my heart. He's so precious.