The Last Two-Year-Old

Would you just look at this handsome boy?

     Spencer at five days  //  Spencer at two years

 My littlest Babykins (a.k.a Spence, a.k.a. the Spencernator, a.k.a. The Destructicon) is growing up. At unapproved speeds. Looking at this picture of tiny, helpless, five-day-old Spencer makes it almost ridiculous to think about what a giant, independent, active toddler he has become. He turned 2 last month, which means that all signs of babyness will have pretty much vanished completely in less than a year. (Or does your youngest child seem like a baby forever no matter how large and ornery they become? 'Cause I could totally see that happening, too.)

Spencer is a whirlwind of excitement, adventure, high fives, tantrums, and the occasional snuggle.

At two, Spencer:

Has great manners. Says please, thank you, and you're welcome spontaneously.

Lives for the movie Cars. Never (since my oldest niece's obsession with the Sneetches) have I seen such stalwart dedication to a specific movie. If something besides Cars happens to be on the television, he cries until it is remedied. Thankfully, we have recently discovered that he also likes Planes (which he still calls Cars), so instead of the entire family being subject  to only Cars and Cars 2, we can also watch Cars 3 and Cars 4 (or, Planes and Planes 2, respectively.)

Loves Loves Loves his blankie. (I've learned not to leave the house without it. It's better for everyone.) Let's just say, in his nursery class at church, they call him "Linus."

Calls all of his sisters "Ju-ya" (Julia). He's kinda lazy like that.

Uses silverware like a pro. (Unless he's eating ice cream. Then he only uses his hands.)

Throws tantrums like a pro. (Unless he's eating ice cream.)

Loves Loves Loves his daddy. Oh, my. If he could, he would be Craig's shadow all day, every day. (No pressure, Craig, but you should probably be the best possible example you can be to that little boy of yours. Because he is watching. Your. Every. Move.)

Laughs maniacally at the prospect of candy or ice cream.

Is learning to swim (but refuses to float).

Loves naps (as long as his blankie is involved) but has been known to climb out of his crib and fall asleep with toys or books in the chair in his room at bedtime.

Gives hugs and kisses freely. Especially when he is distracted by Cars 1-4 or when he knows you're about to give him candy or ice cream.

Is the funnest, cutest, politest, most tiring, adventurous, adorable boy a mommy could ask for.

{And he's mine, all mine.}  {Hence my perpetual exhaustion.}