"I want what Josiah do.
Captain Underpants and Star Wars books, cars that watch and race track.
I want Santa, 2 Santas.
I want cake and hot chocolate.
I need more tennis shoes.
I want what Eila do.
I don't need a toilet."

So, when getting dressed this morning he asked for shorts and I went downstairs to find him a pair. When I came back with a pair of pants he balked:

"That's not funny, Daddy! No! I wear shorts. No pants. I no laugh."

Dad: "I love you, Thaddy"
Thaddeus: "No, I love Mommy!"

He talks very loudly all the time. ALL THE TIME. We checked out some books about quiet and loud and while he gets the idea, he can't seem to commit as fully to quiet like he does to loud. Thaddeus is pretty stubborn though whenever we remind him that he is too loud for inside or that he is screaming, which should be only for outside. He very consistently responds with the simple explanation of "That's my sound!"

Thaddeus tells lots of jokes. He loves to make everyone laugh. Josiah and Thad will run around crashing into things, pushing each other, and anything else for a good laugh. There is nothing better for an eruption of giggles than potty talk. I swear this was a more advanced skill with his siblings.

While lots of little boys like balls and trucks, and pretending, Thad seems to really enjoy sports that involve balls, like baseball, basketball, soccer, football, golf, and even hockey, he tells me, uses a ball and deserves his attention. In the house though, we only play pretend sports, so TJ will often instruct others where and how to stand and what to do then launch his imaginary ball and rejoice or show extreme irritation at the uncooperative other player. It's just like the real thing.

TJ is also potty trained and recognizes that diapers are for babies, but he is a big boy. He still wears a diaper to bed and often fights it because he is a big boy. When we try to remind his that big boys go to bed without whining or Mama's milk, he says: "I big boy baby." Not quite ready to do everything on his own just yet, but getting there.

And that's what he did.

After the story, he climbed down from the chair, walked into his room, climbed into his crib, and pulled the blanket over himself. And went to sleep.

Yes, the two year old put himself to sleep, and silently dozed off.

I think that was the first time I'd ever seen that. And I'm pretty sure it will be the last.

Thad seems to be a bit scared of bugs. He stands frozen, pointing and repeating, "bug" or "nant" over and over until someone saves him. He doesn't seem to be afraid of heights and likes to try to climb up wherever his big siblings are and join them. Nor does he seem to fear water, but enjoys turning it on every chance he gets.

He has recently added to his stock of bedtime songs. But, the addition isn't so much a song as a rhyme. He pulls up his shirt, pokes his stomach three times and then blows air in an attempt to get someone to tickle his tummy while saying the following: "X marks the spot with a dot dot dot, three long lines and a question mark, uppity, downditty, all arounditty, a tight squeeze and a cool breeze. Now you've got the sleepies (or shiveries)."

He's also working on "The Wheels on the Bus," "Happy and You Know It," and "Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes."

I was catching up with Shannon when all of sudden, Thaddeus gave me a big, not-quite-knee high, bear hug. He had climbed down from his seat and certainly needed a hug! After a big hug and kiss he returned back to his seat to finish eating.

It was a very special welcome home.