Monster is a whopping 17 months, has 11 teeth (3/4 of his molars) and is constantly looking for something new and dangerous to try and climb. He will have a bruise somewhere at any given time, and is often covered in peanut butter or dirt.
We have also ventured into what I can only describe as "terrible-twodum-ness" which means we have regular battles with the word "No" and a sceaming/squeeling/flinging-himself-onto-the-floor-bull-headed-ness toddler. It's not all loud defiance in our home though. A lot of the rest of the time is spent giggling and chatting. Monster hasn't shown a lot of interest in speaking English, but he is quite fluent and assertive in Monster-speak.
Monster-speak is mostly questions. If you listen closely you can pick out words that sound familiar, but for the most part Monster-speak is my Monster's primary language.
Since the majority of my days are spent out of the home, I have become a better parent to Monster when I'm actually with him. The lack of time we have together has provided me with mommy patience I have never experienced before. Plus, I know my Monster misses me just as much as I miss him while I'm gone, hugs are certainly not in short supply when I return home.
The most recent photo I have of my Monster and I. Please note the ugly yellowing bruise on his forehead.
