Dominic as toddler

Dominic is now 18 and a half months old, officially a toddler. He can walk, talk, has a sense of humor, is mischievous and is a real cutie-pie. We love playing with him and watching him do stuff.

He has a cute manner of walking around idly and swinging his hands, just being happy and content, knowing that the people he loves and who loves him are around him. When I see him like this I think this is the epitome of a "care-free childhood".

Most interestingly, I notice that his mind has matured too. Sometimes I would catch him on his own playing or entertaining himself. One evening he was in his room alone, both hands tugging at the top of his t shirt, then clapping his hands, then tugging again. I don't know what he was thinking but it amused him. He has also learnt to count by himself. A few days ago he counted his bricks as he laid them out on the floor - one, two, three, four, five. He can recite and recognise numbers one to ten reliably, but I have never encouraged him to learn how to count things, because I thought it was too advanced. Surprisingly, he got it on his own. Again, he has proven cleverer and more ready for "advanced stuff" than I thought!

I believe this shows a maturity of mind, and the ability to fantasise, reason and entertain. Dominic has always had a thoughtful side, when we teach him something new he'd listen, repeat, think, and listen intently again. Now we can see that he is processing in his mind and projecting out what he has learnt through actions, without our prompting.

Lately he has been in a "good mood" too. My maid had commented on this. Smiling and laughing more. The home environment hasn't changed. What I think has changed is that with Dominic's maturity, he is better able to understand what's going on and find more humour in things. He "gets" jokes and the games that we play with him. He also comes looking for us to play more often. When his uncle is at home, he'd go look for his uncle and pull him to play. His sense of humour has grown more sophisticated, we can give him a sly cheeky smile or look and he'd get it and return it back to us. When he plays with toys, or when he reads a book, he'd find things funny and laugh out loud. Before this, I know he enjoys reading a lot but he doesn't really smile or laugh at the book. Now when he reads, sometimes he'd smile or laugh out from the satisfaction of reading, or from spotting something he likes in the book, or from relating to the content. It's so much fun to watch him think and process his thoughts, and react!

He can recognise most of the alphabet in upper case, with a few mistakes here and there, like mistaking N for H for instance. He also can recite the alphabet from A to Z with about 80% accuracy. We would fill in the blanks and he will take off from where he remembers. I am beginning to introduce the alphabet in lower case, I hope it will not overwhelm him.

With the more mature Dominic, I try to reason and explain things to him, instead of forcing him against his will. It is probably still too early for him to understand everything, and sometimes I will have to impose my authority. But I find that explaining and persuading him tends to result in less fights and tantrums, although it will take more time and patience!

Other observations about Dominic is that it seems he prefers the color blue, I think it may be his favorite color. He'd usually choose the blue ball, or the blue coin/counter.

My helper has commented that lately Dominic does not like her stir-fried dishes, like stir-fried vegetables with meat. I think it is more a phase - when it comes to diet Dominic goes through phases. Not long ago he loved the fresh yellow noodle and ate it constantly, but suddenly stopped after about three weeks. I encouraged her not to give up and that once he got over his current steam egg phase, he will switch to something else. The problem is not likely about her cooking nor use of garlic because he has been eating such food previously without protest. Sadly Dominic does seem to be a little picky when it comes to food but I hope he'd not torture the helper so much!

Dominic is still very much attached to his pacifier. But I notice the urge (gian) is sometimes triggered by the caretaker. He knows who would often give him the pacifier and tends to ask for it when he sees her. For example come evening time, one look at the helper and he'd have the craving for the pacifier. And he'd fight when she removes the pacifier from his mouth. But when he is occupied with playing or reading with me, he'd happily allow me to take the pacifier away from him and not ask for it afterwards. So I think in some part the craving is by association.

Dominic's favourite vehicle is still the bus. He loves taking a walk to the bus stop or road side to wait for his favourite bus service number nine-nine. Oh how happy he is when his grandpa is home - this means several walks downstairs!

A new favourite of his is Thomas the Tank Engine. He now loves to watch the video and listen to the song "Go Go Thomas" on the official website. He loves this song and can watch the video several times in a row. It's addictive for him! For the rest of us it's getting a little tedious.

He is getting more affectionate and would come and hug me and the helper now and then. He loves a good cuddle. Some weekdays he'd come wake me up by calling me and hugging my face. He loves to play catch with his dad too and is always ready to play. He's such a cute little boy!