The terrible (and actually quite adorable) twos

Carsten insisted on wearing two ties to Christmas dinner.

Elisabeth's dance teacher asked her two weeks ago how old Carsten was.  Elisabeth replied with an enthusiastic "Terrible twos!"  I couldn't agree more with that statement.  Some how the happy-go-lucky boy who slept well, ate well, and was a joy to be around disappeared not a week or so after his 2nd birthday.  Just in time for his baby sister to arrive.  

Despite the challenges of raising the boy we have nicknamed "The Hulk," he is quite endearing and still Mama's favorite little boy.  Here are just a few fun facts about "brother":

• His favorite sayings: 
•  "I knee know!" (I don't know.)
•  "It not working!"
• "Where sissy go?"
• "Cars 2 please!"
• "GIMME.  THAT.  RIGHT.  NOW."
• "I wanna back scratch please!"
• Favorite word:  No.  For everything you ask him.  Want ice cream?  No.  Want to read Goodnight, goodnight construction site?  No. 
• Favorite book:  Good Night, Good Night Construction Site by Sherri Duskey Rinker
• Favorite toys:  Cars, trucks, planes, trains.  You get the picture.
• Favorite trait:  Very friendly.  Goes up to complete strangers and asks them to pick him up or 
• Favorite comfort item:  His "chocolate blanket" (a brown and blue minky blanket.)
• Nicknames:  Carstie, Little man, The Hulk, "that baby" (courtesy of his loving sister)
• Carsten-isms:  
• Throws things whenever he is mad.  When we see the "green" coming on we know to remove anything he can chuck along with any person he can hurt from his vicinity.  
• Puts himself in time out, calms himself down and then comes out happy.
• Loves treats.  Of all kinds.  Veggies and meat?  Not so much.
• Face is constantly dirty.  No matter how many times I try to keep it clean.
• Takes off his shoes and socks constantly.  And hates having his hair brushed.

All he wanted for his birthday was "car cake."  My first attempt at decorating cakes.

 Cheering for himself after he sang "Happy-da Birthday" along with everyone else.

 Blowing out candles with Papa.

"Cheese!"  All he cared about were his cars and bus.  Forget the other gifts.