Dexter is 2.5 and becoming a little boy...
Here are some approximate stats:
Weight: 35.8 lbs (around 94th percentile)
Height: 36.5 inches (around 56th percentile)
Teeth: 17 (8 upper, 9 lower)
Our little guy is really coming into his own. His vocabulary is growing rapidly and he's much more content now that he can communicate better. He finally started calling Maya by her proper name and he's stringing together lots of two-word sentences like "want that," "blueberries, please," "come on," "help me," "see truck," "Maya do it," "Dexter do it," etc. Dexter knows letters, numbers, and colors, but still hasn't figured out which color names go with the appropriate colors. Every day he's learning new words and he's really enjoying being able to speak his mind.
Falling into typical boy stereotypes, Dexter is completely infatuated by things that go. He loves trains, firetrucks, ambulances, cars, and construction equipment. He will stare adoringly at the garbage man and will point happily at any interesting vehicle on the road.
He is starting to do a lot pretending and will do little voices for his animals or his lovey. He remembers familiar activities and places and frequently guess what place we are going based on where the car is going. He also wants to direct activities more. We frequently hear what he wants and it is frequently not what we are doing. This, of course, is the end of the world and Dexter will yell, cry, or turn into a noodle if we don't follow his whims.
He loves being outside and looking for bugs with his sister. Squirrels and ravens are thrilling. Flowers are pretty. He loves running, jumping, climbing, and pushing anything that rolls. He can sing the ABCs and other children's songs thanks to visits to story time at the library with his babysitter, Elizabeth. Music continues to be a constant source of happiness.
He is beginning to play more WITH other kids instead of next to them. He has always worshipped and respected other kids, but he's been a bit domineering and pushy with the younger ones. Now, he is beginning to see that it is fun to play with the younger ones is less likely to push them over or try to keep them away from his toys. It is very satisfying to catch those moments where Dexter is just having fun playing with children his age.
We just started potty training and it has gone very well in the peeing department. Like his sister, Dexter also seems determined that pooping is very bad and really has trouble allowing himself to poop. This has made him very moody especially after holding in poop for a day or two. We are hoping he'll figure it out soon.
We have signed Dexter up for preschool starting this summer. It's hard to believe that it is almost that time. Our little guy isn't so little anymore.
