Mr. Crab

Jaden is cutting two molars on the top - this may be the reason why he's been an absolute terror lately, otherwise, I would have to say we've reached the terrible two's a bit too early.

Every time we say "No," he screams and flails on the ground. I'm wondering if it's his lack of being able to communicate with us that frustrates him. Although, he tries in his own language. He'll point to something, speak in jibberish and look at us as if we understand. To spare feelings, we tell him we agree.

Jaden has also started hitting more frequently, and I have found that I am his primary target. We have committed to using the time out chair more consistently, although he doesn't stay put for more than five seconds. Yesterday, he must have smacked me a good five times or so, each time catching me off guard. Anyone have any wisdom to share on how to nip this in the bud?

Mike bought us a massive 9-foot, pre-lit, faux Christmas tree that commands the formal living area. When Jaden saw the tree on the box he pointed and said, "tweeeeeee." I learned something today that was disappointing - even during the holidays must you baby-proof your decorations. So, our gorgeous 9-foot tree is unfortunately lacking in four feet of ornaments. Jaden has already destroyed some of the Christmas balls by shattering them against the tile and hardwood, thinking the balls were of the bouncing kind. I also ordered some embroidered stockings from Pottery Barn that I'm looking forward to receiving but realized today that I may not be able to hang them from the heavy metal stocking hooks that sit on the fireplace. One tug on them will surely hurt.

We think Jaden is teething; he's been a handful lately with tantrums and all (this is perhaps why I haven't had the time or energy to post anything as of late) I even took a picture of what appear to be molars, but I can assure you that there is nothing there at the moment.

After I took this picture, I checked his mouth and couldn't feel or see anything. I have a clairvoyant camera!

Jaden is demanding his independence more and more each day. He will no longer let me carry him out of the car, demanding to be put down immediately so he can walk in the house on his own. He does the same thing with the stairs, so it often takes a tedious five minutes just to go up or down. He helps me with the laundry, loading clothes, closing the detergent drawer and turning it on. He claps after he finishes. If I don't let him press the buttons, he gets pissed off.

After I change his diaper, I ask him to put his wipes away in the drawer and he happily obliges. In fact, the other day he watched Mike pick up a pack of water and Jaden tried to pick up the second pack by himself! He tried for a good two minutes before he gave up. It was cute watching him try...

Cooking has increasingly been a challenge with Jaden around; he refuses to let me cook and will push me away from the counter and clutch onto my legs until I stop to play with him. In a short time I have mastered many quick dishes that take little effort but are quite tasty.

This weekend we are taking family pictures with a friend who wants to practice with her camera. I don't know how they'll turn out but I'll post one as soon as I get them. One will be used for our Christmas cards so look out for those soon as well.

Goodnight...