Two: I Could Eat Your Words

Dempsey you are 2 and one half. You just started talking in full sentences a few weeks ago. And you describe everything play by play. You like the word “actually”.  Lately, you say, “It is nice to sled.” “It is nice to play soccer.” “It is nice to snuggle with you.” If you are asked if you like something, you say, “I do!” or “I don’t!” You “actually” have a very proper (English) way of communicating. I have been blessed with the frequent reminder from you, “I love you so much!” I was even able to capture the sentiment on audio recording for a future reminder. You breath your exuberant energy into each and every word. And every word is coupled with one of your facial expressions, whether it be the laugh in your eyes, a mischievous rye smile, a furrowed brow, or a combination of all including pouty lips that can only be described as "Dempsey".

"I Could Eat Your Words" - Patricia Barber

Two: Love Me Two Times

 Dempsey turned two July 19 and we celebrated with a trip to Taos, New Mexico. My mother, father, and my sister were able to join us at an eclectic farm house that looked more like several artistic tree houses made into one, including giant circular holes in the ground for the stairs, and yes, Madeus fell and literally was hanging by the rafters (or curtains). My allergies and asthma got the best of me for part of the trip but I still have been able to hold on to some of the vivid memories of family warmth that were made.

Dempsey loves his playschool, a girl named Levi, and asking "why"?

He is talking more than myself or Madeus combined and that is hard to do.  When you ask him who he is going to play with today he will say, "Um.... how bout Levi?" "How bout Logan?" "How bout Ms. Yvonne?" and on and on. He thinks through everything you say with audible reference, "um" "uh" and lot's of "yeps". In general he uses very casual language and lots of vocal clutter ;) which seem to represent his laid back casual style.

What has been surprising me lately is his comprehension. His vocabulary is pretty broad, yesterday he said to me"wonderful". He understands numbers and letters and often counts to five when he is in time out. He is starting to reference similar items.  For instance he saw a play clamp tool that did look like a boat of some sort so he called it a boat.  He has finally found his first television program "Super Why" on PBS  and is so engaged with the letter hunting that is done. He still can put together small object fairly easily and thinks carefully and looks closely at how things works before putting this together or taking him a part.  His observation skills are really fine and he will notice far away items or small details regularly.  I find myself referring to it as a quieter intelligence, and maybe because it is not as combative as Madeus's intelligence ;) but still so powerful.

I remember loving two with Madeus and my experience with Dempsey solidifies this as one of my favorite stages. He seems to be going through pretty traditional "two" issues as well. Particular things will set him off into tantrums (like breaking his banana in half), and while most see him as relaxed and happy, he makes his voice heard and can hold his own against anyone, especially his brother.

He still runs down the hall to embraces Mike and I when we get home, and runs into Madeus' class room regularly, tackling him with a hug. He loves to tell you he loves you, give hugs and kisses, and cuddle. Because Madeus has never been too outwardly affectionate, this is a whole new world for us, and I am eating it up. 

22 Months: Yes We Can Can

Yes!

Dempsey has always been a "yes" man. He has many a moments, but in general the way he photographs is representative of his temperament. So it should come as no surprise that he has gone through several variations of the word “yes” thus far.  When he first started eating food he would chomp his mouth and nod his head up and down, somewhat like Cookie Monster. Slowly, that elaborate display turned into a simple nod of “yes” when he wanted something. As he developed more sounds, that nod turned into “yep”.  Everything was “yep”.  Recently the “yep” turned into “ahha”. As in, Do you want juice? “Ahha”  Pretty subtle little changes for the boy, but quite reflective of his disposition.

Yes We Can Can – Allen Touissant

Month twenty: To Be Alone With You

Now that Madeus and Dempsey go to part-time school on the same days I rarely get much alone time with Dempsey.  Next fall I will try to have Dempsey home one day when Madeus goes to school two.

For now, I enjoy the brief moments we do get together. Last week, while Madeus was at an acting class, Dempsey and I hung outside The Denver Art Museum and played on the steps on a gorgeous sunny day.

For once, my little man got the pick of the cars all to himself.

To Be Alone with You (Dylan) - "Just you and me, now won't you tell me true, ain't that the way it ought to be."

19 Months: Superman

Month Eighteen: Two Little Feet

 

My little Dempsey! How long it has been since your world has been updated!  

15 months seems to be a key time for you, and for me, because that is when you finally started sleeping through the night.  I will say, that was a tough go little guy.  I was blessed with the easiest baby ever that NEVER slept.  And of course, this was the opposite of your brother, who was always a challenge when he was awake but slept from 8 weeks on.  You still often wake in the night with some crying but can put yourself back to bed...usually.

You started walking fully at 15 months and continue to love the act of climbing.  You tend to test things before doing a bit more carefully than your brother did at your age. However, you definitely still like danger and mischief and keep us on our toys.  You walk well but still tumble when moving too quickly.

At 15 months, to show hunger, you started smacking your lips up and down and nodding ferociously.  That soon turned into nodding any time you wanted anything. You shake your head no but less frequently than you nod yes.  Now your comprehension has gone through the roof.  I remember feeling this with Madeus as well.  You are not talking much but you understand everything.  Such a reminder that you do not need to be able to say words to understand them. You now have a few words but you use them sparingly. You say ball, mama sometimes, go, all gone and my latest favorite Glee.  You absolutely love music and have started dancing to the television program where we watch only the musical numbers.  You always rock out in your car sea, and find any beat you can to dance to.  You love if I sing you a song before bedtime as well.

You and Madeus fight all the time.  It is definitely when our house is most uneasy.  You both love it for a while, but Madeus often goes too far. You take on a lot of tackling from your older brother but I have also noticed you start to dish it out as well.  Everyone says Madeus’ days are numbered before your wrestling becomes just as strong. Right now, you seem more content when we are home alone and you have your pick of any toy or space.

You still run to mommy more than anyone.  However, while you act a little nervous when I am about to leave, you easily adjust to anyone who wants to love on you. You have done a little Montessori to get you used to school, about 10 times.  Next week you will start going to the same school as Madeus for two days but it is almost 6 hrs long each day!  I am already missing you but you are starting to play so well with other kids and I know it will be a good adjustment for you.

You are actually on the small size in weight and height right now, the doctors have you on a high calorie diet.  You are still a great eater but getting pickier.  You definitely have a sweet tooth, love yogurt, and tend to like more tasty and spiced dishes.

Your smile continues to light up a room. With you I definitely understand that cliché phrase as absolutely true, I have never seen anything like it.

Month Seventeen: We Rule the School

Dempsey has started going to Montessori for a few hours twice a week. In January he will start the toddler program at Madeus' school. It pretty much breaks my heart. He approaches this as he does everything though, as you can see from the picture. (It doesn't go as smoothly once he is there, that boy loves his mama).