Tor-NATO

Tor-NATO was something your 4 year old brother called you, more by accident because he is still learning how to pronounce, but the play on your name wasn't missed by your father and I as you ripped around the house, room to room. It suits you and the nickname has stuck.

Tor-Nato, today you turned 2. I thought about the day you were born lots today.  At 7am I remembered how 2 years ago I was at the hospital waiting to be induced. I remembered half watching Jack Black's Gulliver's travels with your Dad while the labour started and realised that I never did see the end of that movie.  We should get it out when you are a bit older and watch it together.  I remember you being the sweetest calmest baby and how I referred to you as 'our dessert' and how I loved how that metaphor fitted you.

I have been wanting to write this post on you for weeks but I haven't allowed myself due to having school reports to write. As I typed out maths comments and music comments and all the things my students are able to do, all I wanted to do was write this report for you because despite being third child, I have noticed all your milestones and this year you have learnt so much.

You have learnt to walk, run, crawl and tantrum roll. The butt shuffling days are only a memory and you walk with such a swagger. Your first word was baby. Now you can say, truck, duck, car, mummy, daddy, UCY (for Lucy), YOYA (for Oliver), mine, beach, toot toot, boat, no, up , ta, ane (for plane), yuck, and lots of gestures and gibberish nosies. You aren't saying much for your age, but we aren't worried. We have walked this road with your big brother and we know that when you're ready those flood gates of questions and language will open and then there will be no going back.

You spend a lot of time with your nana Raeanne on the days that I work. You love this time and the two of you share a special bond. It's also been a great time of you getting to hang out with your cousin Theo. 

You broke the bars of your cot and we tried you in a bed but you were a shocker at getting up, all hours of the night. We tried taking the door handle off your door but then you just woke the whole house up by banging and kicking at the closed door.  It was your Nana Rose that suggested just turning the cot around so it was up against the wall.  So despite being 2, you are still cot bound, and maybe for a long while yet. 

At 2 you love books and trains and food. You play with Thomas until the batteries die. You eat at the table with us and have just started closing your eyes and putting your hands together for grace at dinner time. 

You adore Sam our dog who is so patient with you as you drag him around the house by his collar and literally roll all over him.

Nathan, the notorious two's have started and while most days that picture of you as our desert looks more like a chocolate self saucing pudding smeared on the walls, you still are that sweet taste in our mouths.  We love you heaps little man.  Such a lad. Happy Birthday!