The Evers Family: Mason's Two Year Update

Mason has turned two! It breaks my heart seeing my baby growing up so quickly – it has happened in the blink of an eye. I know the terrible twos are already upon us because I hear “mine” repeated daily, but Mason has challenges that Kate never had at this age – an older sibling. I have never seen something so angelic and so devilish wrapped up in one tiny package. One minute he will make me want to scream and the next, he melts my heart. But every day I am so thankful God gave him to us – he makes our family complete.

Mason’s vocabulary is taking off and he will try to repeat whatever we say. I didn’t think he would ever talk, but it so exciting to hear what new words he says each day. He can say Mommy, Daddy, Kate or Sissy, Mase-ee (Mason), Gigi, Gee-Daddy (Granddaddy), Mimi, Papa, Nanny, truck, bus, car, book, Bible, Mickey (for Mickey Mouse), Elmo, cup, eat, bath, potty, tractor, jeep, and many, many more. Mason is even beginning to say two and three word sentences such as: “All done”, “No-no”, “I stinky”, “Book Mommy” “Big Truck!”, “I pooped” “Go Noles”, “Yep”, and “I love you”. Every day he says something new and now when he starts to whine, I can ask him to use his words and he will try. Whenever I praise him and say, "Yay Mason" he starts clapping and says "Yay Momma!" It is too cute!

Mason still takes a two hour afternoon nap and sleeps from 7:30pm to 6:30am every day. He loves to “read” in bed before he falls asleep and first thing in the morning when he wakes up. We often hear the music playing from his aquarium in the mornings, a sign that he’s awake. When we walk in to get him in the mornings, he’s sitting there reading under the dull blue light of the aquarium. So sweet.

This boy still eats anything and everything - he has always been the best little eater. His favorite foods include pizza, chicken nuggets (sound familiar?!), rice, baked ziti, sweet tea, peanut butter crackers, fruit snacks, chocolate chip muffins, pancakes, bacon, doughnuts, cinnamon rolls (sounds like “Seminole” when Mason says it), apple sauce, mandarin oranges, cake (like his momma), M&Ms and sour patch kids.

At this time, I’m not in a rush to potty train Mason. He still wears a size 5 diaper during the day and a size 6 at night (to avoid leaks). Kate was 3 and a half by the time she was fully potty trained so we still have some time before we encourage Mason. Who knows, he might be super easy to potty train.

Earlier this month, Mason had a follow up appointment with the ENT Doctor about the tubes in his ears. His right ear drum has completely healed but the tube is still in the ear canal (it should fall out on its own). His left ear drum still has the tube in place (thank goodness). The tubes have worked wonders for Mason. He only had a couple more infections we were aware of after the tubes were inserted and they worked perfectly to drain the infection and not cause Mason any more pain or disrupted sleep. Unfortunately, Mason has already had another ear infection since the drum has healed in his right ear. I hope this isn’t going to be a regular occurrence but I was pleased to hear that the tube can be reinserted if needed.

Mason is such a wonderful blessing. He loves to snuggle and give kisses. He’s very independent and adventurous and is willing to try something by himself before he asks for help. He loves to ride his Jeep or Zebra all around the house, read books, put together puzzles, play with his trucks and play outside. Kate’s room is another one of Mason’s favorite places to play. He loves to put on her necklaces, wear her princess shoes and carry her purses around. Whatever keep him happy at this age is fine with me!

On the other hand, he also knows how to aggravate Kate and gets great entertainment out of it. It’s amazing to me how devious he can be at the tender age of two. While she’s watching TV, he loves to scoot his chair as close as he can to hers, but not touch her. She gets upset and relocates her chair and he quickly follows with his chair, laughing. As Mason gets older, Kate is willing to play with him more. It is so adorable watching them interact and most of the time, I let them stay up past bedtime just to listen to them cooking together, playing with Lego's or building forts. Love them!

Here's a couple pictures of our little two year old: