Smalley turns 2

What's that?  I'm two...?

*I wrote this entry the day after Smalley turned 2.  It has taken me until now to post.  Thanks for the chaos little fella!

We celebrated Smalley's birthday at Bocketts farm with our most favourite family and friends. The weather was glorious, the pig racing fast and furious, the play area the perfect distraction for mini people and the feeding station a disgusting mix of animal mess, long tongues and cow slobber. The pregnant sheep were visibly bouncing as they attempted to pant out the heat of the day.

We ended with a cousin and grandparent family tea back at my parents which involved a bit of orchid trampling, compost moving and ended with a full set of naked children.

It was a great day despite my five minute tantrum when my lovely top got covered in bright orange ice lolly - thank you George.

What can I tell you of Goblin at 2? 

...YAY!

Well, he's just a goblin really.

He's a vocal chap; He enjoys shouting at the end of meals. He enjoys calling for family members "where are youuuuuu Alby/daddy/mummy?"

His words are coming along and we have to watch what we say as he copies everything. There's still a good amount of baby in the mix though - probably a good 20% of what he announces is completely incomprehensible despite him tilting his head, looking into our eyes and talking slowly whilst he says it. Albug claims to be his interpreter but relying on that message generally leads to more questions than answers!

He loves singing. Mostly twinkle twinkle little star and monos rainbow song, both of which he gets caught in a round on. The former with him confusing the last line with the first so at the end of the song we go straight into "up above the world so high..." Momos rainbow song makes my heart smile. I have a two year old who will happily repeat the colours of the rainbow for twenty minutes - with one minor but vital error..."red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, vio-red, orange, yellow, green..."

And tandem 

He also loves cuddles.  Bog monkey cuddles where he wraps his arms around your neck and holds on tight.  Sometimes he snuggles into the crook of your neck or your chest in order to up the cuteness factor.  Best feeling ever.  

Solo tractor riding 

He loves his dad.  He loves his bulldog.  He loves me.  But it's probably fair to say that most of all he loves Albug.  He loves to follow Albs around, copy him, laugh at him, mimic him, look for him and even interrupt all of his games if it will get him a reaction.

The other day Smalley bumped his head in the kitchen.  Big brother was there and quickly sprung into action "show me where it hurts little one, show me your owwie.  Blow here and I'll give it a magic rub. All better?  All better."  I was in the room next door overhearing this and suffice to say my heart almost burst.  

Best buddies off to the shops 

I used to worry about the impact of adding another monkey to an already crazy household. I used to wonder how we'd find the time and the love for all.  Two years in and it's noisier, busier and even more chaotic but with laughter, love and cheekiness.  We're kept on our toes by a little chap who refuses to slow down because he wants to be involved, be included and be part of whatever everybody is laughing about.  Thanks for the past two years Smalley - they've been a blast.