Mason is 2 and a half!

I would like to say that Mason is half way through his terrible two stage; however, I do believe we have a long way to go. Particularly, since we just introduced a new sister to our household mix. Since Isabel's introduction, Mason has taken his disobedience to a new level. It has been interesting because his aggression has been directed toward me and he has become more affectionate with his dad. When I try to address his behavior with him, he laughs at me, which has been very trying on my patience.

His sleep has also reverted. Before Isabel was born, we finally had Mason in his bedroom throughout most nights. Now, Mason strolls into our bedroom every night and will not stay asleep if I have gone into a different room to put Isabel back to sleep. So, Mason has demonstrated that he does want me around, he just has to show some aggression.

We are all working with Mason to get through this stage and are trying to make time every day to have some devoted time to just Mason. Aside from his defiant side, he really is progressing. He is showing emotion (clearly). He is talking more and more. He is finally putting multiple words together and he knows how to spell his name. We have also read several books so many times to Mason, that he has actually memorized the books. So when he grabs certain books, he can use his memorization skills to read the book to you. It always impresses me when he "reads" the books to me.

Mason is also doing so well in daycare. He likes his teachers, Ms. Donna and Ms. Daisia, and he is making friends. He has a little friend who gets in trouble with him, Nicole. They like to throw mulch at the other children together. So, both are in constant trouble together. I always have to laugh when I pick him up from daycare because he is just filthy. He is definitely kept busy throughout the day and it is very apparent by the state of his clothing.

Mason has recently learned how to manipulate. He has learned to strategically say "please" and give you hugs and kisses when he knows that it will benefit him. For instance, we are trying to break him from drinking milk before he goes to bed. He asks for milk and we say "no". He waits for a few seconds, gives a hug and says "please". Well, we am trying to teach him to say "please", so I cave because I want him to know I am happy with his use of "please". Though, I think I have made that clear, so now he will start receiving a "no" to his late night milk requests.