Terrible 23 months?

So, this terrible two's thing just might be real. In the last 10 days, Julian has become so difficult at times that I really truly believed (still might) that something had to be broken or hurting or just plain WRONG. He's known the word "No" for quite some time, but never screamed it repeatedly at the top of his lungs...now that is an HOURLY occurance. Yeesh. All sleep/naps have flown at the window, and diaper changes are likely to result in injury (ours, not his...) This toddler stuff is no joke. It's exhausting!

And yet, he still has his redeeming moments...he is able to say things so well now, he's always cracking us up with a great one-liner or knocking us off our feet with something surprisingly sweet. Today, I kissed the top of his head as I walked by him, and he said "thank you Mama for the kiss." It ALMOST made all those difficult moments disappear. Almost. Because of course ten minutes later it's NONONONONONO about something or another.

They sure do grow up fast.

Here are some random firework photos for you. We attended a local display last night with our neighbors and my angelic little boy was so impressed by them that he (very loudly) announced "WOW, BEEEAUTIFULLL!" after each and every one. Well, either that or "KAPOW!" which was equally endearing. He is becoming his own little person for sure, and it's wonderful...I just wish there wasn't such torment and struggle in the mean time When he laughs - the whole world smiles with him...and when he screams and cries, Mommy starts popping Motrin and locking herself in the bathroom.