The Force is Strong with my Young Apprentice

I think I've mentioned before that my son is strong-willed.  He will not be restrained in any fashion, be it in his car seat, in a high chair, swing, walker, or stroller.  He's constantly trying to "hulk-out" of his car seat. I keep telling him that indeed, with the proper application of force, he could overcome his bonds.  He will not tolerate lying briefly to have his diaper changed.  He will also occassionally not ingest the poison that we feed him, also known as food.  Fortunately, he is still my apprentice, and I am the master.  Ultimately, he has no choice but to succumb to our will, for the force is much stonger in us.  Please be praying that Tommy does not choose to serve the dark side, but rather uses his powers for good.

Normally, I believe a picture is worth at least a thousand words, but tonight I think I'll give a written report on Tom.

He was climbing stairs before he could crawl.

It looks like he'll figure out how to climb child-gates before he can walk.

He's crazy - loves to be tossed in the air, swing really high, and be flipped upside down.

Tommy loves cars.  He enjoys standing in my lap in the truck (parked) while he flips on the signals, lights, and honks the horn.  We did slowly drive circles in the culdesac - he thought that was a riot.  He watches every time a car drives by our house when we're out front.  He also loves driving on Grandpa Pat's scooter, and cousin Patrick's electric car - often putting his hands in the air like he's in a roller coaster.  Since Uncle Brandon had Tommy "drive" the elec car (by pushing the accelerator with a broom stick), he refuses to sit in the passenger seat.

Tom loves dogs.  He loves Mario, who doesn't exactly feel the same in return.  He has several puppy stuffed animals in his room - one of which is a requisite for sleep.

He has incredible eyelashes - I've dubbed them "Lady Slayers".  Everywhere we go people (mostly ladies) comment on them.  He's already demonstrated he has the Bakker charm.

He really doesn't sit well in highchairs most of the time.  We have better luck with him carefully standing on a chair between us.  The good news is that he seems to enjoy eating when we eat, and likes trying the food we're eating (as long as he's under the impression he's in control, not if we're feeding him).

He has 2 upper and 2 lower teeth - looks like a little imp when he smiles.  This has proved difficult to get a picture of, but I'll keep trying.

Tommy is crazy about baths, not so much the cleaning of his body, but playing is huge.  We've also taken his to the rec-center pool twice which he loves.  He's a water baby.

He's sleeping better, but still up at least once in the night for some reason or another.  Lately he's been teething which is a joy.  He's a very light sleeper - too much noise/activity in the house will wake him right up.  I think he's afraid he's missing all the action.

Tommy likes to be outside non-stop.  Good thing we're finally getting some sunny days to enjoy outside.

He knows the words mama & dada, and employs them correctly - usually in an unsuccessful attempt to manipulate.  For example, when I put him down for a nap that he doesn't want he cries for mama.  When I'm at work, and he wants something he can't have, he cries dada.

This is my first-ever post without photos.  I promise to post some this weekend.