Mine!

Since we are lagging a bit behind in the "language development stage" (Babycenter.com is my nemesis) I am always thrilled when Jack comes home from daycare with a new arsenal of words.  He has learned things like, "All done!"  or "Cracker" or "Peepee" (not that he's potty trained or anything - just aware of the function people.)  Well, this past week Jack has learned a new word.  One that every toddler becomes quickly familiar with and uses with great emphasis.  That word is "mine."  Now, I've prided myself on the fact that although I must rely on daycare to raise my child, :( , at least he is learning valuable social skills.  He can share, right?  He can play well with others, right?  He can make friends and influence people, right?   Not so it would appear.  Behold the world of "MINE!"

Muno? Mine!

Bath toys? Mine! ( I tried to grab one to play with him and was quickly reminded of its ownership.)

Thomas the Train boots from Dillards!  Well, he didn't say mine here but I think that was because he was trying to behave for Mimi :)  He was trying to put them on his feet however - perhaps in the hope that we would buy the rain boots?  Sorry Jackman.  $5 Thomas the Train shirt - yes.  $35 Thomas Rain Boots - not likely.

He took a brief break from his claiming phase to help me dust Saturday morning.  Nice huh? Although I strongly suspect it had to do with his establishing dominance over the entertainment unit.

Anderson came over Saturday morning for a play date and Jack's "mine" mode was in full force.  To be honest, I was slightly horrified at how "toddler-esque" Jack was behaving.  He was grabbing toys from Anderson & fighting with his BFF.  At one point, during a shoving match in the train tent we realized that Jack, Anderson, Melissa, myself and THE BEAN were in this thing trying to create peace.  (Bean is just helpful that way.) Then we realized that Jack & Anderson are really more like sibling than friends so of course they will fight like cats and dogs over stuff.  That's what you do with your brother!

After that realization we just let them duke it out.  And yes I'm the bad mom who captures this on camera instead of breaking it up.  Behold, Anderson trying to shove Jack out of the ball pit.

And here is Jack trying to body slam Anderson as well.  It looks kind of scary but I think Anderson fell down mostly from laughing at Jack's expression.  I know I did :)

Playing together in peace. Yay! :)

Proof that the "mine" phase only applies to those we are closest to.  While at the mall play area, Jack patiently waited his turn for things.

And look, no body slamming! :)


My favorite part of the "mine" phase however came this morning.  When I got Jack out of his bed, I pointed to myself and said, "Jack! Who am I?"  In my arms, he poked his tiny little finger into my chest and said emphatically, "Mine!"  I just hope he feels this way at 13 when I'm lame and embarrassing and still as crazy about him as ever :)

I tried to capture his claim on me later that day.  Not only do you get to see his response but also his near meltdown when his train dvd wouldn't start.  Priorities people.