Your baby, 26 months 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 and older

Your two year old can be described in one word-busy! She is always on the go and has a great sense of confidence in what she can do. Prevent injuries by not allowing your child to play where there are sharp edges or corners, not allowing her to climb onto tall, unsafe structures, put shoes on your child when she goes outdoors and always keep the doors closed to rooms that are unsafe. If you have a pool or hottub in your yard, remember to keep a locked fence around the water at all times.

Your child now has sense of who he is as a person. He knows he has a name and he knows what he likes and dislikes. Although he knows he has a name and can answer when his name is called, he may not be able to tell you his name quite yet. Encourage your child to learn what his first and last name is by playing games and reiterating his name. You can make up songs that include your child's first and last name and ask who he is in photographs.

Two year olds love to `help` around the house, in the grocery store and wherever else you give them the chance to do so. Allowing your child to help you will give him a great sense of accomplishment and self-worth. Let your child get things for you. Tell him what you would like for him to get in clear sentences and he will go look for it. Be patient and understand that your two year old is not capable of doing things the way you do. If your child accidentally drops the box of cereal while pouring it into the bowl, simply say, `It is okay, let's pick the cereal up` rather than, `You are always making messes, I knew this would happen.`

Language and vocabulary are important parts of development. You can help your child build a strong vocabulary by talking to her and explaining when she asks questions, reading stories, reciting nursery rhymes and singing songs throughout the day, every day. When you go on a walk, take a bag and collect a various assortment of nature items. When you get home, talk about the texture, color, shape and smell of the item. Explain things in detail and describe what you see. She will pick up on colors, shapes, sizes and other descriptive words from this simple activity.

Developmental Milestones - 26 Months Old

Physical

• Can balance on one foot for a second or two
• Can take lids off of jars
• Enjoys being outside
• Likes to run

Intellectual

• Gets into things and makes messes
• Learning what front, back, under, side, top, bottom, etc.. are
• Uses plurals when speaking-dogs, cups, etc.
• Likes to imitate what you say
• Understands today but not yesterday
• Can sort silverware and other simple objects
• Tries to count objects

Emotional

• Talks mostly to other adults, not so much children
• More willing to be separated from parents
• Wants to do things on his own
• Enjoys receiving praise
• Likes routines and schedules

Age Appropriate Toys

• Sorting toys
• Counting toys
• Shape sorters
• Ride on toys
• Dolls and stuffed animals
• Puzzles
• Games
• Books
• Balls
• Sand and water toys
• Pretend play sets
• Music and songs
• Paint, crayons and other simple art supplies

Comments:

Comments 1-25 of about 4940 for month 26
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kathleen112 - Friday, 28 Dec
Mostly little things but thoughtful ones....several 2 player board/card games for the date nights I always yell at Matt for not having with me :-) The biggest one was a piece for my car stereo to play my iPod through the speakers. I had that in my old car and missed it very much! Plus lots if goodies from my family, his family. I'm happy!! What did you get?

kashsmommy - Thursday, 27 Dec
Kathleen...Cole got a train table too! Can't wait to put it together, but I'm holding out until I clear out the spare room...which Todd will do TODAY because I can't wait any longer lol! As far as owning portions of companies, I too believe we own a nice sized portion of the 'Cars' corporation! I'm quite sick to death of seeing Mater something every time I turn my head, but I'll deal lol! My dad built Cole a big boy bed and will be bringing it by this weekend!!! Christmas was a blessing! So glad Ben got his train table! Judging by the fb pics, I think he loves it! So what were you're 13 gifts?!?

kathleen112 - Wednesday, 26 Dec
Love the sentiment Kash...I hope you all had a very Merry Christmas!!! Xoxo We are now the proud owners of a train table with all the accessories plus fourteen brand new wooden Thomas trains. Not to mention Thomas books, puzzles, bath toys, matching games, big wheels...plus a good number of non-Thomas related items. Ben is one very lucky boy. (And I'm fairly certain I own stake in the Thomas the Train corporation after all this. :-)

kashsmommy - Monday, 24 Dec
Hopeful...bitch and complain all you like! We know your heart and mind are in the right place! Kathleen...I truly believe you would've laughed your ass off at us...I'm hobbling around on crutches and Cole's in a hospital bed...every time a nurse would walk in and say 'what happened buddy?', Cole would respond, 'Daddy did it'...Todd and I were getting strange looks seeing as I can't walk!!! I know it'll all be fine, but geeeeez what an already stressful time to tack this on. I, too, am very thankful...we all have our health, our lo's, our families and friends, none of us are going through anything that we can't handle, we're able to give gifts to those we love (and still afford our bills!) and we have each other! I'd say that in the grand scheme of things we're some damn lucky ladies! Live you all and hope everyone has a very Merr Christmas! I'm sure we'll have lots to bitch about after the holidays! ;-)

kathleen112 - Monday, 24 Dec
That is very stressful Kash but I know Cole has the very best care (family and medically speaking) and will be just fine. And it's ok to bitch Hopeful even if you think you shouldn't...that's what we're here for lol. I too am feeling very grateful this holiday season. I have a beautiful, happy child and love from family and friends...what more is there? Merry Christmas to my ladies. xoxoxo

hopeful29 - Monday, 24 Dec
thats so scary poor little man. I am not even going to talk about my situation cause I was having the worst vacation and after seeing your post I realized I was being so petty considering what other people are going through. I can't even imagine those in Connecticut who lost their children at this time of year. So my news years resolution will be to stop being so self involved and upset about my situation as I should appreciate what I have and every moment I have with Keira. Hope ya'll have a very Merry Christmas and great time with your families. Big hugs to Ben,Cole,and Ollie from Keira and I xox

kashsmommy - Sunday, 23 Dec
Thanks Hopeful...the dr's say that since its been 'dormant' for a year that something must've provoked it, but too many possibilities to know for sure! They put him on a new med and he hasn't had any episodes since so they're going to leave him on it and continue monitoring him for the next couple years. When he's 4 or 5 they'll take him off the med to see if he's outgrown it and if he hasn't then they'll do the necessary testing and do an oblation on the open pathway. At this point, they don't expect him to outgrow it because most children that do, do it by a year old. So stressful! How are you holding up?!?

hopeful29 - Sunday, 23 Dec
oh my goodness poor Cole thats terrible. I seen your home now which is great, what did the doctors say? BIg hugs to you and your family.Hope you have a great trip Kathleen.

kashsmommy - Saturday, 22 Dec
Kathleen...been in the hospital with Cole and his heart. Since Thursday evening. The issue, evidently, hasn't resolved on its own. He hadn't eaten anything on Thursday (no red flags there), got out of the tub and was pretty whiny (red flag 1), told me his belly was hurting, but pointing to mid chest (red flag 2), wanted to go to bed an HOUR early (Mom punched in the face with this red flag lol) so I say next to his bed and let him relax while I rubbed his belly. Checked his pulse-something isn't right, called Todd in the room and concern instantly hit his face-followed by 'this shit can't be happenening again! I wanted to give Cole a few minutes to relax and fall asleep to see if it may have been provoked by something. 20 minutes later his heart was still beating like crazy so we took him to the ER...the one I work at. We walked in and I explained what was going on to triage, she listened to his chest for all of 2 seconds and said 'okay let's go to the back!' On our way to the room she starts shouting for the dr and every nurse she saw-that's when I knew I was right. The dr comes rushing in and tells them to grab the d-fib cart and put the pads on Cole....umm NO! I 'politely' told him how to do his job lmao, the room filled up with people and it was chaos! I checked the monitor and Cole heart rate was between 279 and 286....that's when the waterworks started. So, we're in the hospital hoping to go home today since he hasn't had anymore episodes....we're all exhausted! So no, I hadn't remembered about my ct until you asked about it lol! And I'll be starting PT next week I believe, although I still can't walk! I hope y'all have. Safe trip and a fabulous holiday! I haven't though about not introducing Santa...just kinda went that way without thought. I always enjoyed the idea of Santa and it was very helpful to my mom around Christmas time with keeping my brother and I from fighting lol! Cole really likes Santa Clause too! Yesterday, Santa came to all of the children's rooms, took a picture with them and gave them a gift! Cole was enamored!! I really hope I get a copy of it because we haven't had the chance to get a Santa picture done yet and what a way to commemorate how we started off this holiday season lol!

kathleen112 - Friday, 21 Dec
Are you doing physical therapy Kash? How's your vision? Did you go through with the CT yesterday? Ben slept through last night so that's a victory. He still isn't feeling well off the motrin but on it he's pretty much back to normal. We were going to head up to my inlaws (a 2 hour drive north) tonight but we're going to hold off until tomorrow just to let him sleep in his own bed and give him another couple of doses on the antibiotic before he's around my niece (not that ear infections are contagious). Then we'll head back home on Sunday night and do Christmas Eve/Day with my mom and aunt. It's funny I find myself really not into the Santa thing even though I grew up wiht it myself. My husband grew up Jewish so he could care less if we do it or not but he did say that at most he wants to just do one or two things from Santa and the rest from mommy and daddy. Ben's still pretty unaware of Santa this year so I don't think it matters much but I guess next year I'll have to make a decisioin. Anyone else see that letter posted on facebook where these pareents' explain what Santa is to their son? Basically that he's real in the fact that he inspires people to be generous and loving toward one another. I really liked it...I'm going to try and find it and post it to my page.

kashsmommy - Thursday, 20 Dec
Poor Ben! I hope those meds kick out that ear infection quickly! I am dying right now! My best friend picked me up today and helped me finish my shopping and while it was a tremendous help to me, I'm hurting pretty badly. How was date night? We gotta have one of those soon! Todd and I rarely get time alone and I think I'm going to change that soon! So what are the holiday plans for y'all?

kathleen112 - Thursday, 20 Dec
That's not high at all Kash--I mean it may be high for you but it's not high. Ideal blood pressure is 115/75. The norm used to be 120/80 but that changed. Anyway, how are your symptoms? My mom took Ben to the pediatrician this morning and he has a 'severe' left ear infection. He prescribed antibiotics. Last night he only woke up once so that was a massive improvement. And pretty much all day today he was fine until the evening when I let the ibuprofen lapse so I could administer it right before bedtime and then all hell broke loose. He was just miserable, tantrumming...poor baby really isn't feeling well. He even fell asleep on the 10 minute ride from my mom's house to ours...for Ben sleeping in the car--no matter what the length of the car ride--is nearly unheard of. I know that's the opposite of most kids but it's true.

kashsmommy - Wednesday, 19 Dec
The last time it was checked it said 119/75...I don't know what's high or low or normal, but both numbers are always lower than that and my dr has even told me in the past that I have low blood pressure from being so small. I'm almost done with Christmas and hobbling around target tomorrow will be NO fun lol...I hope they have scooters! Poor Ben!!! I think things bug them more the older they get so maybe it is his ear! Please keep me posted....that's so unlike him!

kathleen112 - Wednesday, 19 Dec
Ok I feel a little silly complaining in light of everything but Ben had the worst night of his life last night--newborn months included!!! He was screaming all night long. Nothing worked for more than an hour or so. I think it's his ear--mostly 'cause he finally said 'ear!' when I asked him what was wrong this morning lol--but he's had ear infections in the past with virtually no symptoms. He spent all morning crying and the earliest appt I can get with the pediatrician is 7:45 tonight argh. I just put him down for a nap a little while ago, we'll see how long this lasts. Mama isn't used to no sleep!!! (Sorry to those who are--again, why I feel silly complaining.)

kathleen112 - Tuesday, 18 Dec
If it makes you feel any better I'm a physical therapist and I suck at crutches too. Those things are a bitch lol. When I was in school we had to choose an assistive device to use for an entire day and I chose crutches--I totally cheated and stopped using them about halfway through the day. My arms/ribs were kissing me! So I definitely have sympathy for you. I wouldn't cancel the CT if I were you. How high are we talking with the blood pressure? We're done with the holiday shopping but spent WAY more than we should have...and by we I mean my hubby lol. He goes a little overboard to say the least. He told me I'll have 13 packages to open...sweet but chances are only one or two of those things are things I'll need, want or use. :-)

kashsmommy - Tuesday, 18 Dec
I don't think the vision problem is surgery related, either. I think it just happened to coincide with it. I really think its a combination of the pain meds, the pain, and the crazy headache I've had since post-op. My bp has been a little high (compared to my norm), which I think can be attributed to the meds as well, so I really believe its just a lot at one time. I may even cancel the ct if its improved any by then. I'm really hoping this recovery speeds up a but, though...at this point I'm regretting it lol! I'm still in a good bit of pain, I SUCK at using crutches (just ask the dog!), I'm insanely bored, hating that I can do basically nothing for Cole and I'm tired...and STILL have Christmas shopping to do!!!!! Everybody done with Christmas?

kathleen112 - Tuesday, 18 Dec
I don't see how the visual issues could be related to the surgery if there's no clot. And even if there was a clot and a tiny piece had broken off that would travel to your lungs not your brain so I'm very confused by that. I suppose it's possible you just need glasses but for it to happen so suddenly is very strange. I'll be thinking of you on Thursday...geez just when you fix one problem another arises. :-(

kashsmommy - Tuesday, 18 Dec
I wish I knew Kathleen...no clot or dvt and the on-call ortho said she'd only heard of it happening once before. My ct was scheduled for yesterday, but after making the trip to the dr, I was too exhausted and hurting so its on Thursday morning. Dr said he does t think the problem is neuro related....I swear some dr's get their license from cereal boxes....and that it should go away in a week or so if its surgery related. If it were and actual vision change (I've always had 20/20) it wouldn't happen so quickly right? I'm starting to wonder if I need glasses?!? They did a vision test and I could only the large print, which is strange for me. Anyway, I've been typing for about 20 minutes so I'll check back later. Have a great day!

kathleen112 - Monday, 17 Dec
afrikka--I wish I had words of wisdom for you. All I can say is that his behavior is troublesome and I would talk to your pediatrician. Best of luck to you and keep up with us. I can only imagine going through what you're going through with him...sounds beyond frustrating/exhausting. :-(

kathleen112 - Monday, 17 Dec
WTF Kash?!? I was worried when you posted about not being able to see on facebook. Keep us posted. When is your CT? If not a clot what caused the symptoms in your leg??

kashsmommy - Monday, 17 Dec
Terribly...had to visit the ER last night to check for blood clots because my foot swelled, turned purple and went cold. No clots, thank God. But, I can't see properly so now we're gonna do a ct of my head. Ughhhh

hopeful29 - Sunday, 16 Dec
first off I just want to mention that in this group of girls we are not judgemental at all so never once in my mind did I think weak parenting. You have way more experience me I was just wondering more about the situation. I know its different for every kid and you know whats best just trying to suggest things as you put it out there. Good luck. Kash hows the healing going?

affrikka - Sunday, 16 Dec
hopeful- Finn was about 9 months I think when he went in to a bed. May be earlier as I cant remember having him in our own bed for that long...crazy...Lol...I'm pretty certain this is going to be our last child.

affrikka - Sunday, 16 Dec
hopeful- He sleeps in a bed because he refused to settle in a crib- we had a crib for him but again he just screamed until he vomited and continued to scream etc... So we set up a bed with a side rail which he was instantly and obviously happy with, I think because he wanted to be like his older siblings who have beds..Anyway, it was really obvious to us at the time that he could distinguish and just flat out refused his cot. I think he slept in it for 2 half nights maximum. Our routine is he falls asleep breastfeeding in my arms or next to me on our bed after his shower and story etc..then I move him to his bed which is in the next room..No lights..and he may wake up anywhere from 10.30pm to 4am..He has never slept past 4am. The times my husband went in to him he literally screamed like he was being attacked and scratched my husbands eyes. He also hit my husband on the face and would not calm down or stop until eventually he was brought in to me. I know it may sound like weak parenting to you, but this is my fourth child and I've been through controlled crying with all of them. I breastfed to 12months with them. Finn is just very very attached. Last night he woke up at 4am and climbed out of bed and came in to me quietly which was nice. Getting a sleep to 4am is a good night for me. We were booked in to a place where nurses help the child learn to self settle and sleep through, but they warned me some babies after 5 days still scream all night and vomit etc, so I just don't want to put Finn through going to a strange place with strange people and have him screaming for me and me not being there...

hopeful29 - Saturday, 15 Dec
is he still in a crib? Does he have his own room? Do you use a night light for him? Did you breastfeed all your kids this long? If you keep going into his room and give in all the time he will know that. They are so smart. Keira has tested me a few times even though she hasn't got up through the night since she was like maybe 9 months or so. I breast fed till she was 15 months but never through the night once she slept through. And trust me I had to let her cry it out. It sucked but it was necessary for my sanity. anyways every now and again she'll still try and cry after I put her down but its a test. I never look back. Obv if shes sick or whatever I don't count that. I dont know what to tell you except ask your ped if your not sure.

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