The Waldock Kids: Our Big 2-year-old Boy

Somewhere along the way our sweet Jonathan Daniel ceased being a baby and became a little boy. Where does the time go? Sometimes I think he should still be Hannah's size (although in reality he was only Hannah's size for a very short time!). Here are some photos of our little man over the past two years....

2 days

6 Months

12 Months

18 Months

2 years

Daniel has become such a big boy - in many ways. I don't think he's any taller than average (he may actually be a little shorter than average), but he is very solid and almost as heavy as Rebekah.

He is learning a lot these days. It's amazing how much the second child in a family picks up just from listening to the firstborn. We didn't intentionally teach Daniel his letters or numbers, but he's heard Rebekah count and sing the alphabet song so many times that he can count to 12 and sing the alphabet song almost perfectly (aside from a bit of mumbling on l-m-n-o-p). He's also been learning a bit of geography, which he actually instigated himself. You can see a video of it here. He picks up on things quickly, and is particularly aware of people's facial expressions. He can be feisty at times, but he is also a very sensitive little guy and "melts" easily when his feelings get hurt or when someone else is hurting.

Daniel is also becoming such a good helper! He especially loves helping in the kitchen. Just about anytime he sees me getting ready to cook or bake something, he will pull a chair up to the counter so he can help. Now to teach him that "helping" does not always mean "eating"!

Daniel is a very attentive big brother. It is obvious that he loves Hannah very much. She has started smiling more recently, and he gets such a kick out of making her smile. He takes good care of her and watches out for her, bringing her her musical bunny when she cries, and making sure Mommy is doing everything correctly. =)

Mutual adoration =)

Daniel is quite the little ham. He loves to laugh and to make other people laugh, and we do find ourselves laughing at and with him quite often! He can be such a teaser at times. Along with his mischievous streak often comes attempts at getting away with things he shouldn't. I'll suffice it to say that he is definitely becoming two-years-old. I'm not sure if his sweet disposition makes things easier or more difficult in that regard!

Although his sister has exposed him to LOTS of dolls, princesses, and overall girly things, Daniel is still very much a boy (despite the fact that he is a fan of Cinderella, Dora and Mary Poppins!). He loves being outside, playing with balls and cars, and above all else ROUGH HOUSING! He loves to wrestle with Nathan and when there is no one to wrestle with he will throw himself head first off of couches or chairs in his own little tumbling act. He is quite amusing to watch, if a bit nerve wracking for mommy!

When he tires a bit from all that activity, Daniel also loves to snuggle up and listen to stories (or watch movies if he can sweet talk us into it!). He really is a very sweet and cuddly boy (most of the time).