My Two-Year-Old

Brooks turned 2 this past week! Wednesday was his birthday and we had a wonderful day celebrating together with Gammy & Pops. We decided to take Brooks to his first movie, Toy Story 3:


He did really well for his first movie. We got him a small popcorn and he ate THE WHOLE THING. I think I got a couple of bites, but really Brooks kept digging his little hand in again and again. The only time he got up was when he ran out of popcorn. He walked up and down the stairs a couple of times, and then came and sat back down for the end of the movie.
After lunch and a nap we headed to the pool:



After swimming with Gammy and Pops we ordered some pizza and sang "Happy Birthday" to Brooks:

Yes, I only put one candle in the cupcake, but he didn't seem to mind. I've watched this video a hundred times just because I love seeing Brooks' face. He was so excited!
So, now we have a two-year-old living in our house. And let me tell you - he is a two-year-old! We are having to really crack down on discipline and break the habit of: "No Mommy! Stop!" or "Mine!" or my favorite is when he's upset and he comes up to me and pushes me while saying, "No Mommy! PUSH!" So, needless to say that my little boy is a frequent occupant of the quiet corner. On the flip-side, Brooks has his sweet moments as well. He is starting to really show us his affection. He'll come up to me and kiss my leg or arm or give me a random hug. And the other night at the table he did the sweetest thing so far. He grabbed my neck for a hug and said, "I love you" and kissed my cheek and wouldn't let go. He really is a sweet kid. He is becoming a little boy and really developing a personality. He talks ALL the time! Some of the phrases I hear most are:
"Come on, Mama!"
"I wanna play!"
"Watch this Mommy!"
"Sit here Daddy."
"Night, Night."
"I want Toy Story."
"I love you."
"Please."
"Thank you, Mommy."
And not only that but he is constantly asking, "What's this, Mama?" And really talking rather than mumbling. He tries real hard to put sentences together and he copies what he is learning from us. The other day the three of us we cuddling in bed and this is how the conversation went:
Brooks: "What's this, Mama?" pointing to the pillow.
Me: "That's just a pillow."
Brooks: "Oh!" pause "Daddy, What's this?" pointing to the pillow.
Chad: "I don't know buddy."
Brooks: "That's just a pillow."
He really makes me laugh! I can't wait to see how he continues to grow and learn all about the world around him. And growing he is! Let's compare my little boy:
Brooks Bryan Hoffman
June 23, 2008
4 lbs 15 oz
18 inches long

June 23, 2010
30 lbs (75%)
36.5 inches (95%)

I can't believe that I've had the privilege of watching this little boy grow up for the past two years. I feel so blessed.