Degen at Age 2 1/2

Degen at 2 1/2 is adorable and frustrating all rolled into one! Without the adorable, he would just be one big mess! He's still got a bit of baby in him, but he's also got some little boy toughness all wrapped up in some drama that he learned from his big sister. Some days he is all sorts of cute with those big hazel eyes and mischievous grin, and other days he is just one great big yell "I DO IT!"

Degen does dance, swimming and gymnastics each week. We are working on sitting and paying attention for lessons at home and community activities (it can be tough). Degen is in napping-limbo right now, which can be a tough place. He can go without a nap, but by the afternoon/evening you can usually tell that he hasn't had a nap. If he does have a nap then he wants to stay up late like Kyrie (but never sleeps in the way she does). When he is awake, he wants to play with trains or build with blocks. He still likes baths, enjoys watching movies and has started playing some games on the computer.

Mostly, Degen is a happy boy with a good sense of humor, but he desperately wants to be independent and do things on his own and when you are 2 (and maybe a bit clumsy) this can be frustrating... for everyone. He wants to: push the buttons, open the doors, choose the movies, pick his snack, start his bath, wash his hands, brush his teeth, fill his cup and on and on and on. BUT he doesn't want to use the potty, pick up or stop what he's doing when you ask. We are grateful that he has started talking so much because now you can at least understand what it is that he's trying to communicate. However, a lot of his talking is, "I do it!" "No, Sissy!" "HELP me!" "I SO angry!" "I so sad!"

Degen plays well with Kyrie and loves to cuddle! He loves trains and mowing the lawn with Daddy! He can count 1-12 and sing his ABCs and several other songs, too. He loves popcorn and likes to eat a variety of foods, but he can also be a picky eater. Though 2 1/2 can be tough, Degen makes it easier with his playful giggle and loud kisses!

We love you, Degen Richard Aurelius!