The Bear Den #5

It's been a while since the last update.  Gunnar is full on into two years old.  Some days he's the sweetest little chatter box you will ever meet.  Other days he's a tiny tyrant.  But every day he is a little boy.  I have to stop referring to him as a baby because he is not that anymore.  He's become more responsible around the house.  He is expected to help clean up his toys and put his hat, coat and shoes away when he comes home from school.  He even helps with the grown up chores, like sweeping, every now and then.

Papa made him a "tower" for his birthday which helps him reach the level of the kitchen counters. He likes being up there when Kevin and I are in the kitchen making dinner. Gunnar will help get ingredients from the pantry and fridge for his favorite meal, PB&J.  He will pick out a plate and when his meal is ready, he climbs into his highchair all by himself. He's also turned his tower into a mini jungle gym.  

Gunnar talks ALL the time now.  He is way ahead of his class on vocabulary.  He can be sassy and incredibly sweet.  He also gets an attitude and he can be a smartass sometimes. But he has good manners so we're going in the right direction.  Plus, he's quite charming and he knows it.  It makes it very difficult to be mad at him when he flashes his cute little smile. He also loves to sing.  At bedtime we sing Baby Beluga, Watermelons (Down by the Bay) and Ants (The Ants Go Marching).  In the tub it's Row, Row, Row Your Boat and The More We Get Together.  When Dada is taking him to school, there is always a rendition of The Wheels on the Bus.    

There are also high fives, fist bumps, hugs, blowing kisses, raspberries and tickles.  He says goodbye to all his teachers and friends by name.  But we need to work on just Mommy and Dada disciplining the dogs and he still hits when he gets really mad.  We read books every night and watch our favorite cartoons which include Bubble Guppies, Sofia the First, Clifford, Chugginton and Thomas and Friends.  We've settled into a routine and I think it's helping all of us a great deal.

We are very slowly and surely getting settled into our new home.  Gunnar's room and play room are the spaces the most complete.  Then the dining room.  I'm trying to decide on how I want to decorate the master bedroom but it is so hard because I like so many looks.  We were getting a lot done during the summer when Kevin worked 4-10s.  But he is back to his school schedule so a lot of the work has slowed down.  Aaaaaannnnddd....Kevin started classes for his PhD!!  It has been quite an adjustment but we've got the hang of it now.  So, hopefully, in 4-5 years, we will have a doctor in the house.  :)

That's all for now!

Cheers!