"At this age, children often say "NO" or refuse to do what you want them to do. This is a normal phase of development involving testing the rules parents make. Parents need to be consistent in following through with reasonable rules. Your rules should not be too strict or too lenient. Enforce the rules fairly every time. Be gentle but firm with your child even when the child wants to break the rule. Many parents find this age difficult, so ask your doctor for advice on managing behavior. Remember: You are the parent and your child is not in charge!"
Dante -
Mommy wasn't sure whether to cry or do a happy dance when I read this. It came from the top of your progress report after we visited the doctor last week for your two year birthday check up. It made me happy because obviously you are a very "normal" two year old, apparently doing exactly what you are supposed to be doing at this age and for that I am more thankful than I can express with the words on this page. It also made me want to cry, because we are so knee-deep in this phase right now, that you and I both end up in tears or a wrestling match out of frustration with each other on a somewhat regular basis these days. As your mother, I'll officially say that you are one of the most determined little boys I've ever come across and I sincerely hope you continue to use that determination throughout life to help you follow your dreams wherever they may take you. If I weren't your mother, I might say things like capa tosta or STUBBORN! Thankfully, I am and we don't need to worry about that.
When you are not pushing my buttons or trying to terrorize your older brother, you are one of the most adorable people to walk this earth. You LOVE to laugh, especially if you think you were the cause of it. A true jokester with a belly laugh like no other. It's contagious and I hope it continues to fill the walls of our home for decades to come. If I had to guess, you'll become the athlete in our family. While your brother has cornered the market on negotiation, you simply come back with brut force and I can see it being put to good use out on the field one day.
Over the last couple of months you've become quiet the parrot, repeating back everything we say to you. This is another thing Mommy is very thankful for. When you were born, we were worried about your "tight" frenulum, which could end up causing you speech problems. Anyone who spends five minutes with you would tell me that I have other things to worry about like, "what are you going to do when at 10 years old this kid is bigger than you?"
I absolutely cannot end this letter to you without telling you that at two years old, you were your brother's biggest fan. I can't predict if you'll always feel that way but right now if Dominic has it, you want it. If Dominic does it, you want to do it too. If Dominic likes it, you like it. Dominic is usually more successful at changing your mood, making you laugh or distracting you then I am. You ask for him from the minute you wake up in the morning and happily give him a big kiss to say good night.
So, yes, two is kind of terrible. But, it's also fun, cute, wonderful, happy and temporary. I've learned that you usually don't get the good without the bad, so if I have to choose none or both, I choose both very, very gladly.
I love you, Dante!
Happy 2nd Birthday!
Mommy
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