Mr. T is 2.5

Tyler turned 2 and a half yesterday -- I didn't really remember until late that night, but luckily we had a great day together which included a lazy morning of couch cuddling, an early nap, a lunch in midtown, an incredible time at the park, and then more fun in our backyard.

He has a bad ear infection but he seems to deal best with it when occupied and this weather was energizing to us all!

At 2 and a half, Tyler is still very much a 2-year-old :-) --- but he is also the most spirited and cuddly creature I could imagine and changing/growing every day. He speaks in sentences that even I have a hard time understanding sometimes, but he's thrilled with his language and so am I when he makes a cute, unexpected observation.

Some moms have told me 2.5 is "easier" but I haven't really experienced that yet! I can reason with him more in terms of consequences, but he is SO emotional and impulsive (I just don't know where he gets that!). Hee hee.

I remember whenever people called me "dramatic" when growing up, it would be frustrating because we in this category really do feel each emotion to the degree we express it -- so drama doesn't quite fit... Better to call it sensitive.

My sensitive sweetie tests EVERY limit, but he is a delight and just a little tornado-like presence in the best possible way! He absolutely loves people, which is why he likes school so much, I think.

I am continually baffled and amazed by him. In one minute I can feel the extremes of frustration and in the next I experience the most overwhelming pride and admiration for this force of nature we call Tyler.

I have confidence his presence will always be felt, he'll never be a pushover, he will be an absolute individual, fully passionate about whatever he does, the most affectionate hugger, and he won't just find his place in the world -- he'll make it. I think he already has!

Gazing at a bubble for a moment -- mostly chased them while we chased him!

At the park, Austin enjoyed a feast of grass and leaves -- or he tried to anyway.

Birds flying north for the Spring -- yay!!

They were edible in these shirts!

My "project" photo -- these were the best bubbles ever!