Dis

Dis week, Thomas has entered a new phase of his toddlerhood.  While dis phase is incredible because it marks a very clear line for Thomas in that he can really articulate what exactly he wants (it's usually, "I want dis!") it is not necessarily one of the most exciting phases for his mother, who is subjected to Thomas' whims every day.

For example, one day this week, sometime around 9:30, Thomas up and ran to the fridge and declared, "I want dis!"  He took out some leftover mac-n-cheese and gave it to his Mama.  "Heat it up, Mama."  Of course, I obliged despite the fact that he had just finished breakfast an hour ago.

 Perhaps you are an observant one and noticed that Thomas is wearing only his diaper and some socks for this mid-morning snack.  It's not that warm here in NY.  Changing out of pjs was met with a lot of resistance and, "I wear I diaper."  The socks were our sort of compromise.

"Thomas vacuum?"  Sure!  So I set Thomas up with the state-of-the-art vacuum from Nana McCollum.  Keep in mind his vacuum is nicer than mine.  Thomas was not to be fooled.  "I want dis one, dis vacuum, Mama."  So we shared vacuum duty of the downstairs.

Same held true for mopping the kitchen floor.

Thomas and I stopped at Sonic (a drive-in burger joint) after a quick trip to the store.  He knew exactly what he wanted and pointed it out when I asked what he wanted for lunch.  "Dis."  Of course, dis was the ice cream sundae.  I explained we would get ice cream at home with Dad and that we needed lunch first.  Fortunately, cooler heads prevailed and he said, "I want a burger and tots, Mama."  How much easier does it get than that?!  So I ordered exactly that.  Although Sonic is a fast food place, it was not fast enough for Thomas who explained to me, "I done waiting I food, Mama.  I want I burger."  Oh, dear Thomas, if only it were that easy!

Big burger for a little guy!

Often the dis is merely a way for Thomas to explain which one.
"I get on dis couch and ride.  Hee haw."

"Thomas go with dis Mama."  I have no idea who the other Mama is, but I'm glad he's going with me...most of the time.

As two strong-willed people almost always do, we tend to battle each other on some things.  But dis kid makes it worth the while.

Big Boy

Sorry, but the Chinese may have this one wrong.  I don't think 2013 is the Year of the Snake, I think it's the Year of The Big Boy.  Thomas started the year as if he were a small man rather than a 28 month old child.

In gearing up for 2013, on New Year's Eve, Thomas did a little test run of what it was like to be a big boy.  He made an enthusiastic attempt at helping prepare and eating one of Mommy's favorite things, clams.

Ready with tongs

Chewed and swallowed the whole clam!

Since the clam thing went well, Thomas fully embraced his big boyhood on January 1st.  He has now taken to showering in the morning.  This is sort of a catch-22.  While I know now exactly where he is and what he's doing when I am showering (right next to me, washing himself), it is a little tight in our stand-up shower.  This doesn't stop him from stating almost daily, "I take I shower now" or "Thomas shower now?  I take I jammies off?"

Thomas still enjoys a nighttime bath and fun with Dad though.

It's a good thing that Thomas gets so clean as this big boy has recently added two very important things to his daily schedule.  First, he is very busy training and caring for his dog, Frankie Dog.  Frankie Dog, named first by Daddy, is the first thing Thomas looks for in the morning.

Thomas tells Frankie Dog when to pee and when to poop.  Rather, he tells me when he is "letting" Frankie Dog pee or poop.   He tells Frankie Dog when to close his eyes and go to sleep.  Thomas dilligently feeds Frankie Dog all sorts of foods.

"Lettuce, Frankie Dog?"

He also involved Frankie Dog in his other new endeavor, "working at a office." 

Tricky getting a dog and two lunchboxes down the stairs.

But nothing is impossible when you wear your mom's headband!

"Get in Mama's car?"

Loading it up.

Just a big boy driving...

With his dog.

When Thomas doesn't make the trek into the office, he sometimes works from his other office.

Thankfully, Thomas hasn't grown up too much in the last two weeks.  He still loves to play, play, play.