Treasuring Toddlerhood

Today was a very big day for Noah. We turned his crib into a toddler bed in order to get one toddler milestone under our belts before the baby comes. There was just no end to Noah's excitement about this change. And he actually stayed in his bed at naptime as if it was still his crib, so we are pretty pumped about that, too. :)

I had Christy, a friend from college, come visit this week, and on one of our days we headed to Bridge Street Town Center. Noah rode the carousel, called to the ducks, violated mannequins, and experienced the water fountain play area with a good bit of caution, but fun, all the same. You are probably wondering what I mean by that mannequin comment...well, just take a look...the boy is obsessed with belly buttons.

Anyway, what follows is my top 20 list of toddler treasure-type-things that I don’t want to forget about Noah’s early toddler days (in no particular order):

1. Streaking proudly through the house naked and giggling just before bathtime.

2. Trying Goldfish crackers for the first time and LOVING them.

3. “Buzz Lightyear to the Rescue” toy car button that gets pressed over and over again.

4. Crying when Elmo’s World is over on Sesame Street.

5. Wanting Blue’s Clues and only Blue’s Clues in his lunch routine.

6. Smushing his cheeks all over my face and making silly sounds all the while.

7. Actually believing his remote control truck really is sleeping just like Daddy told him.

8. Calling bye-bye and blowing kisses at everyone everywhere we go.

9. Instigating a good round of “chase me” as often as possible.

10. Being the worst kind of GRUMPY after his nap in the afternoon.

11. Mastering “Give and Take” agreements. (FIRST do this and THEN you can ….)

12. Saying “no, no, no, no, no” in his bed first thing after waking up.

13. Calling his stuffed animals by the sounds they make. (AhAh, UhUh, Moo, Rawr, Meow)

14. Helping to empty the dishwasher one utensil/plate/cup at a time.

15. Being the sweetest blend of baby and boy all in the same day.

16. Reciting all the names of the people who love him when he is going to sleep at night.

17. Blinking his eyes to pray while he grins and murmurs word-like sounds.

18. Repeating words with the right syllables, but nothing like the sounds you said. (i.e. "Daddy, come here" = "Daddy, fee hi")

19. Saying “No” and meaning “alright” midway through saying it. = “Nowight”.

20. Soothing others with kisses, hugs, with his very adorable “Aw-wwww” sound.

To be sure...there will be more to follow. I consider this blog my time capsule of sorts. :)