Teddy is 2 1/2

These days, if someone asks Teddy what his name is, instead of simply answering "Teddy" he typically goes into a very long answer:  

"I am 2 1/2.  And I am a big boy. And I am Theodore Hoschek."

So here is my big two and  a half year old. I can't believe how quickly time is flying and how much he grows and changes each day. 

The day he turned 2 1/2, Teddy literally threw his first all out temper tantrum.  I am talking- throw yourself on the ground, legs turn to noodles, all out screaming tantrum.  I can't even remember now what he was upset by, but I do know it was the first night we have ever put him to bed with out reading him a story.  We understand that overall we are extremely lucky; Teddy is very easy going and typically does what we ask.  But we are definitely getting to practice some of our parenting skills as he strives to find his independence and test out limits.  He is truly a joy to have in our lives and we are so thankful for him every single day.  He continues to be very talkative and outgoing, and he speaks to strangers where ever we go.  He gets along well with all of his little friends in the neighborhood and at playgroup.  It is really neat the way they have all started to play/interact/talk to each other.  He has started asking me in the mornings, "Where are we going to go today?" and then will ask me if certain friends will be there.  He also loves music and often in the car I hear from the back seat, "Mommy, what is this song called?" or "Who is singing this song?"  He can recognize several country singers by their voices now and I think some of his favorites are The Zac Brown Band, The Band Perry, and he still loves Bob Marley.  We also recently introduced him to Crystal Gayle, whom he loves!  This summer he has really enjoyed going to the pool and has gotten very confident about jumping off the side.  He also loves the spray park, though I admit we have been spending a lot of time inside due to the heat (and my pregnancy).  He continues to love helping Mommy and Daddy and often wants to do things "by myself."  His imagination is also fantastic- I love to watch him play.  Now when he tells me things I have to ask him "did that happen for real, or for pretend?"  The other day, I went downstairs to do some laundry.  I came back up about 10 minutes later and Teddy was so excited he said over and over, "Mommy I called Grandma! I talked to her on the phone!"  He insisted it was "for real" and when I checked my phone I saw that he had actually called my neighbor.  And according to her- he called her and had a full conversation with her! So funny!  If you ask Teddy what he is going to have, he excitedly says, "A baby brother."  And while I know he can not grasp how drastically his life is about to change, I do know that his brother will be lucky to have him!