words

Most days I just enjoy my children and don't focus too much on what my buddy can't do.  But lately I can't stop thinking how I wish he could talk.  Sure he's got a couple of words but they aren't all that useful.  I worry that he will go years before really talking. 

Do I need to do more at home with him?  Do I need to increase his speech therapy?  Do I need to find a new therapist?  Is there anything that I can do?  What if there was some other approach I don't know about that could get amazing results?

I know nothing about teaching someone to talk.  Monkey bear talked early and often, although she refused to talk in front of anyone other than me.  My buddy has exceeded my expectations with his walking, climbing and running.  I remember many months just trying to get him to sit up on his own.

We are going to start a picture system with him that will hopefully reduce some of his frustration... but probably not mine.  I want to know what is going on in his head.  He is so funny and does the oddest things.  Monkey bear always asks, "Why does he do that?"  My buddy is the only one that can answer that and he isn't talking.

milestones

I love it when little milestones are met without even trying.  When my buddy was a baby, we spent so much time doing exercises and pushing him constantly.  I noticed every little thing he did.  I suppose there is so much less going on with a baby than a toddler so it's easy to miss them now.  I've also lowered my standards for myself and spend a lot more time playing and goofing off.

Here's a list of mini-milestones my buddy's met recently:

*  No longer going through 6 bibs a day - down to about 2
*  I can take my hand off his plate for 30 seconds without him dumping it instantly
*  Will listen to "No" if you are standing right next to him - don't have to physically remove him
*  He can walk up the stairs by himself just holding onto the railing
*  Once in a while he'll hold my hand when we are out and actually walk the way I want him to
*  He looks up in the tub so the water doesn't pour down his face
*  No more open mouth, full tongue kisses 

And the best one of them all...

*  He signs "love you" and blows kisses every naptime and bedtime

friendly

My buddy is the friendliest little guy around.  Almost to a fault.  He is never more happy than when surrounded by a gaggle of kids.  My buddy, if he had his way, would touch each kid on the head, face, or belly while dolling out hugs to any takers.  Of course he would alternate a gentle touch with a love pat.  And by love pat, I mean a smack to the face or a push hard enough to knock someone down.

I love my buddy's love for others and really don't want to change that about him.  I love that he is forgiving and holds no grudges.  But he can't walk around slugging other kids and knocking them down.  If you prompt my buddy to be "nice" or "gentle" he will listen... at least until the urge to hit is too strong.  I don't think he does it to hurt.  My buddy is genuinely surprised when a baby cries after meeting his left hook.

I'm not sure how to approach this behavior.  Part of me just wants to let his teachers deal with it when he goes to preschool, but I'm pretty sure that isn't the right answer.  I don't want to adopt a "keep your hands to yourself" rule.  I think at the age of 2 he should be able to touch his friends.  I guess I will just have to keep repeating my mantra of "be nice - no hitting" and hope that at some point it sinks in.   I do know that there are far worse things than an overly friendly little boy.