J and M + j + s: Toddling around

Josh officially became a toddler when he turned one, but the behavioral aspects of being a toddler are continuing to emerge. He is full of energy and always on the go. His curiosity and understanding of the world are growing rapidly and has been very cute to watch. He is learning what objects do, and can understand many more commands. His vocabulary has remained steady the past few weeks, but his overall understanding and communication has really increased. He can say (and sign) "all done" and uses that not only for food, but for when he is bored and done with something (like riding on the swings, or in the stroller). He can also say and sign "more/I want" and "no", which are good for letting us know what he wants (and doesn't want). He also points, or takes our hand to bring us to something that he wants.

On the less than cute side, the toddler tantrums are starting. Along with Josh's increased understanding and communication, he does not always gets what he wants even if he can communicate it to us. It is hard to say no to him, particularly because we want him to know we understand what he wants. He doesn't yet understand that he can't always have everything he wants. We generally try to distract Josh from whatever it was he wants but can't have, which works well sometimes. I read something online that said that growing up is the process of learning that you are not the center of the universe, so toddlers are cranky, because this is the first time in their life they can't have everything they want.

It has been so fun to watch Josh learn and explore the world, so we will put up with the tantrums :-)