Harry turned 2.5 years old on Sunday.
I had him telling everyone "It's my half birt-day!"

Since the 2.5-3 year olds are in a separate class at The Little Gym, I had decided that 2.5 was a magic number. Boy was I wrong! They only separate these kids because they have to!

I realized Harry would probably not be potty trained, and he might not be reading novels, but I thought he would suddenly follow directions and cooperate. Apparently I like to kid myself. He does these things as well as Bailey. That is to say, he hears and understands, but he picks and chooses what he wants to do.

I don't make him wear a jacket if he doesn't want to, but this seems to be a problem for Kevin and Menike. Other issues arise spontaneously, but for the most part he is good. He is more advanced then he was at 2, but there was not a magical change that happened overnight. It's all gradual. Duh. I should know this.

Harry is getting bigger. He walks up stairs half of the time without using his hands and has good balance. He knows how to pause Tivo (rather than just un-pausing) when it is time for dinner. Letting Bailey in is old-hat. He is happy to stay in the yard by himself (it's cold out there! I sit at the door and watch).

Here are the Babycenter.com updates:

Your 29-Month-Old

Your child is becoming increasingly good at matching words with the objects they describe. She can name a few body parts, some colors, and even a friend or two. You can help her improve her verbal skills by giving her details. If she says "Dog sleep," for example, you might say, "Yes, Spot is curled up and fast asleep on the chair." She can't imitate your complex language patterns just yet, but she's learning more all the time.
Yes, we have always done that. Now we encourage him to ask for things in proper sentences. "More Mimo" doesn't work anymore. We suggest "Mommy, may I have some more Mimo, please?" and in return we get "Mommy more mimo please!" Often I just say "Use a sentence" and, suprisingly, he has never, to my knowledge, asked what a sentence is. Collective Unconscious? I am becoming a disbeliever in that. I think we pass things on without realizing it.

How your toddler's growing: Your toddler is probably able to put on a piece or two of clothing by herself and name a few body parts. She may also be able to identify a color or a friend by name. As she grows more aware of what others are thinking and feeling, she'll become more interested in interacting and playing with other children instead of just alongside them.
Shirts happen. Gloves happen. His new Crocs end up on his feet, too. I still think we are a ways off from getting his pants up. That seems more complicated.
Harry can name all of his friends, body parts and colors, and he likes to play WITH other kids...which is why I am bummed he has no one to play with at daycare. I encourage Hunter every day to just start walking already!

How your life is changing:
Conversations with your baby are a wonderful opportunity to help build her verbal skills. For instance, if she says "Car go," you might say, "Yes, that red car is going down the street very quickly." She won't be able to imitate your bigger words or complex sentences just yet, but she's learning from your example.
I love having conversations with Harry. It's like talking to a foreigner. It's fascinating!

Parent Tip: Toilet Training Will Come in Time "If your child isn't toilet trained yet, don't get upset. My son wasn't ready until he was almost three, and then he really got into it. It might help to give him a book or video explaining the process — that was useful for us." — Lizzie
Harry knows when he's going and how to use the potty, he just got board with it. Honestly, so did I. Diapers are easier!

Have a good weekend. I am off to buy my Select Comfort Sleep Number bed tomorrow. Let me know if you have any information on this. I have slept on a lot of beds and this is what I am going with. Bye Bye neck pain!