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.
