Just Barely Two ... And Counting

What to do ... what to do??? I am certified to teach gifted children and have taught them for a few years now, so I've really learned who they are and what they're about. It's been an interesting journey. Gifted children are often socially challenged and are overly concerned and sensitive about issues that are way beyond their years, or where they should be in their current stage of maturation. It can sometimes lead to psychological problems or just difficulties in handling the way the world is. They're sometimes idealistic and have a hard time grasping the concept that some people can be mean. To put it short, they're complex creatures with a lot on their minds. I don't see how nonChristian parents of highly gifted children cope from day to day. I don't see how nonChristian parents of ANY children cope, but especially parents of these kids.

Well, Anthony and I have been closely observing Jackson lately and thinking back to his baby months (can't really say baby years, can ya???) and we've picked up on a lot of things that we're just wondering about. For instance, Jackson is quite crafty when it comes to getting things done that he wants to do (like pushing a chair to the counter so he can stand on top and open the cabinet for his favorite cup, etc.) His vocabulary seems advanced to me for just turning two and he's extremely observant and is sensitive when he thinks someone's been hurt. Most surprising is that he can already count to ten on his own and he is learning his colors. I don't think he's highly gifted, but I think he may be to some degree gifted. The problem is that he's our first child and I don't have anything to really compare him to. I have only taught gifted middle school and high school students, so I don't really know the proper age for the milestones two-year old kids should be crossing. Sometimes I think I'm totally off-base and while he may be a little bright, surely he's not really gifted. On the other hand, there are times when I become a little concerned that if my suspicions are right, what of those typical gifted-child problems I mentioned above will our son deal with as he becomes older?

Anyway, it's just been on my mind and I wanted to see if anyone out there has any input on the topic.

A funny story before I go. Anyone who knows my husband knows how he has a definite ruddy complexion most of the time. We were sitting at IHOP one morning for breakfast and Anthony pointed to the Sweet 'n Low packet and asked Jackson what color it was. He said, "Pink." And then he pointed to Anthony's cheeks and said, "Pink." Ha ha ha. It was hilarious. I couldn't stop laughing.

Take care, y'all. God bless.

"Woah, Horsey."

We had some ride time tonight before bed. This picture's so cute. Looks like he's telling horsey to slow down. tee hee!!

Anyway, I tried my best to get him to wear his Amish hat for the picture, but he just refused--he wanted Horsey to wear it.

So I had Anthony hold it on his head. ha!!! Mamas will find a way to win. (OK, I didn't really win this one, but I got the picture, didn't I?) Better than nothing, I guess.

THERE ARE MORE PICTURES IF YOU JUST SCROLL DOWN .......

The Tandy Tane Sucker

and look how happy he is to have it. *rolling eyes* *speaking to Anthony* "TWERP"

And this is a trip to the zoo we took last summer. We're looking at the elephants, which is, I believe, his favorite animal. He was just astounded by them. Maybe it's the trunk. And, yes, I know he needs a haircut badly in this picure. This was in the midst of our packing to move time. It got done shortly after this trip.

By the way, immediately after the tandy tane sucker, he got a bath and clean jammies. I know that Nemo shirt looks horrid--it's cough medicine spilled down the front.

KEEP SCROLLING FOR ONE MORE POST WITH PICTURES.

Also, some of you might not have read the post about Anthony's grandpa's funeral. If you have time, it sure would be a blessing to ya. :-)

OK, so I've been a slacker with posting pictures ...

I'm just not really great at getting pictures from the camera to the computer. I think it's the evil little man in the CPU who doesn't like me, but Anthony keeps insisting it's the operator. I just cannot believe that. Anyway, I'm going to attempt this . . . but I'm not making any promises.

While I'm waiting for these pictures to upload (is that the right term?), I'll share a story.

Tonight we were sitting in the living room and Anthony came in with a Tootsie Roll sucker in front of Jackson (twerp), and, of course, Jackson had to have some. But one lick wasn't enough. He wanted to hold the sucker himself. Houston, we have hit the terrible twos. Anyway, so we reluctantly decided to let him have it. Let me insert here that he very rarely gets candy and sweets and stuff. It's limited to very occasional treats. Anyway, so he takes his first lick of the sucker and says, "Mama, tandy tane." Yes, the sucker tastes like a tandy tane, but we can't ever remember letting him have any tandy tanes, so we're wondering who's feeding him candy behind our backs. He is so very rarely out of our sight that it's got to be either one of our parents or the daycare. The daycare, I don't think, is allowed to give the kids any candy, so I'm on the lookout for the culprit . . . I'm sure it's between my mom, Anthony's mom, or Anthony's dad. I don't think my dad or my grandma would've done it. THEY KNOW WE DON'T ALLOW CANDY. Anybody else have parents who sneak things in on ya' when it comes to the kids? Anyway, the sucker doesn't LOOK like a tandy tane--it just tastes like one, so how did he know what . . . You get the picture. Argh

OK, the pictures have uploaded. *deep breath*

Here we go . . .

Here's our little cutie at his second birthday party. The kid LOVES Mickey Mouse. He picked out his own cake. Well, sort of. :-)

And here he is opening gifts. Apparently, this is serious business.