Two is the New One: The Story of a Baby's Development

I'm big on attempting sassy article titles in case you haven't noticed.

Attempting being the key word.  

Something that makes me laugh is the "this is the new that" speak people have become so fond of lately.  "Brown is the new black," or, "40 is the new 30," and very popular these days, "Saving is the new spending."  My all-time favorite still comes from my grandmother when she proclaimed during family picture time that, "Three is the new two," after already taking the standard two pictures and angling for a third. 

You don't mess with Gram to begin with, but when she breaks out a line that is both topical and hilarious, you don't stand a chance.

So, you can imagine my excitement when I found the perfect "this is the new that" article title for my second son turning one this past Saturday.  I now have two boys that have reached this incredible milestone, and if I felt like a  a few months ago, I can't even explain to you how I feel right now.

My wife and I created two living entities that have both been on this planet for at least one year, and our house is still standing.  Here I thought graduating college was an accomplishment.

As I reflect upon this amazing achievement, and specifically with regards to my big one-year-old, I'm mostly amazed at his development.  Let's be honest, a year ago at this time the kid was a lump of human flesh that barely opened his eyes.  Today, he is walking (to the point of nearly running), trying to repeat words, and even learning how to defend himself against his big brother in their constant battle over toys.

I'm sure those of you with multiple kids have experienced this already, but I'm simply amazed at how well the baby does at standing his ground.  It makes sense though.  His older brother had no competition and never had to worry about someone else slobbering all over his toys, but this one, by instinct, must know he needs to defend his territory or else the older one will absorb everything.  What really surprised me though is how the baby takes his defense a step further into a full blown offense as he attempts to expand his influence over things like his brother's toys, his mother's shoes, and even the dog's food. (And by influence I mean - put into his mouth)

Aggressive is an understatement with this one.

The other development that still amazes me is his attempts at speaking.  I honestly don't remember his brother starting words this early and frequently, but again, I have to imagine this is a byproduct of having someone else so close in age to look up to and emulate.  Mumma, DahDah, Bah-L (bottle), and even, "What is taking so long with my applesauce?  I'm starving over here."

He is off bottles and onto sippy cups, he is off formula and onto whole milk, he just had his first haircut, he already settled on a few favorite toys, he recently got his first pair of sneakers, and I can't even remember the last time I saw him in an onesie.

It's blatantly obvious to me that it's time to start charging him rent.

Congrats on this major milestone my little one, and keep taking on the world as only you can.

'Brad the Dad' is a parent columnist and can be reached at bradmarmo@gmail.com.  Follow him on Facebook or Twitter: @readbradthedad