Just Your Average Toddler

Braylen was "the most cooperative two-year-old" Dr. Burke saw today.  He let the nurse measure his height on the paper without moving (seriously, can't believe this is how they measure height...), sat still on the "boat" for his weight, and let Dr. Burke check him out with no wiggles or objections.  Now, the time he wasn't spent getting examined was a different story.  Needless to say, it was another sweaty appointment at the pediatrician.

Braylen's measurements at 2 years, 1 month:

Height:  35 inches (58%)

Weight:  26 lbs, 14 oz (32%)

I don't need 90 percentile kids, I just want one number to be average.  Normal range numbers are such a blessing to me!  He is also on track developmentally.  

Just your average toddler

Since he's two, I'll name two things in each category about our two-year-old

Favorite Toys:

1. Duplo legos.  We enjoys making towers and knocking them down.  (I think these are also Daddio's favorite toys since I will find the kids upstairs playing and Daddio downstairs making castles)

2. Trucks.  My friends have passed on any trucks they weren't using because they know how much he likes to push those things around.

Favorite Activities:

1. Looking at books.  I will find Braylen in his room with his bookshelf nearly emptied.  He will flip through books for an hour.  He knows most of the titles too, so he will say each one he picks.

2. Playing with Evie.  The two of them are best buddies.  I need a separate blog post to gush about how much joy it brings me to see these two asking to play together all day long.  

Favorite Foods:

1. Trader Joes boxed mac and cheese. Judge all you want.  It's from Trader Joes, so it has to be somewhat safe and healthy, right?  :)

2. Pretzels.  A true Stefany.

Favorite playmates:

1. Evie

2. Ms. Liz.  (also Mommy's favorite playmate)

Mommy's concerns about having a boy:

1. Late talker.  Nope.  Braylen has exceeded our expectations in the language department.  He is a great little communicator, which has kept the tantrums to a minimum in this area.  He uses 3 word sentences and has an extensive vocabulary.  

2. Destructive, dirty behaviors.  Braylen has picked up a few bugs and knocked over his share of towers, but for the most part, I think he is a rather calm boy.   I give credit to his sister for modeling clean, tidy habits to him.  She also regulates when he is doing something that is repulsive to her, like picking up worms.  He is now afraid of ladybugs.

Braylen seems to be taking the role of the comedian in our house.  He does silly things, like wrap his place mat around his face, and will look around with this mischievous grin until someone notices him.  He make-believes with Evie, comes up with creative play ideas, and loves a good game of hide-and-seek.  The simplest things make him giggle.  

Braylen is a trooper staying with unfamiliar caregivers at church, MOPS, and at home.  He doesn't mind giving his "lady friends" lots of snuggles and hugs good-bye.  

Like his sister, Braylen is a huge thumb sucker.  He has a big callus on his thumb to prove it.  I have some work ahead of me!

It's hard to believe this little, somewhat goofy-looking boy

has become a blossoming toddler.  We love our Bray Baby so much!