At what point does a child go from baby to full-on toddler?
Is there a level of sass they need to meet in order to get the upgraded title? Is it the speed at which they can run? Or the ability to tell jokes? I don’t know what the official definition is, but I know I’ve got one.
Theo turns two today. I don’t believe that from your vantage point you can see my jaw hitting the floor. I’m sure every parents has a similar experience, but I’ll share mine none the less. In the last year, Theo has learned to walk, then run. He loves to play “getchoo”—translation: “get you”, which is when Jason chases him around our living room in endless circles yelling “I’m going to get you!”
He learned to talk and usually does so in the third person (“Theo no like that, mama!”). He can even tell jokes—he’s got a knock knock joke that makes no sense, and also likes to describe everything as “purple” and then grin a mischievous grin (“Theo, what did you have for breakfast?” “Purple banana.”)
He can solve 12 pieces puzzles, and I’m pretty sure that if we gave him a more complicated one he would figure it out. He feeds himself, but often asks for “halp.” He cooks with me—usually insisting that everything needs more eggs added and that he “no like onions,” a conclusion he came to after biting into one in the three seconds I happened to be looking in the other direction.
Drinking milk while eating oranges doesn’t curdle his insides, somehow, even though I swear scientifically speaking it should. He inherited whatever genetic disorder allows one to eat their own weight in lox. He definitely appreciates a good cheese board.
About a month ago, we gave him a respectable haircut that most certainly aged him a year. I miss the curls, but I also like this new little man I’m seeing. He has a clear favorite (it’s dad) and will basically do anything that Jason is doing. Last week when I dropped him off at his nanny’s he told me to go to work because we were chatting for too long. I’ve learned to take it in stride.
He can be extremely stubborn, but I’m told by my parents that I deserve that. But at the end of the day, there is nothing sweeter than watching him play and listening to him giggle. I wouldn’t change a thing.
And what is he eating these days? Basically everything. Today, I’m posting one of his favorite breakfast meals (second only to “bagel-lox“). I don’t make them as well as his baba (my mom), but he tolerates it none the less. Syrniki are little pancakes of farmer’s cheese mixed with a little sugar, flour, and egg. You can fold in other accouterments like raisins or berries, but it’s not required. Like all things Russian, you’ll want to serve your syrniki with some “jahm and o-gut” (translation: jam and yogurt, or sour cream if you’re truly Russian).
While I usually make them on Theo’s request, we like them too. Warm, simple, filling, quick. Basically, a perfect winter breakfast, which makes eating it while it’s still dark out a bit more tolerable (I cannot wait for the sun to rise before 7:30).
Happy birthday my sweet, determined child!
- 1½ cup farmer's cheese
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- ¼ cup flour, plus more for dredging
- ¼ cup raisins, chopped, or berries (optional)
- 2 eggs, whisked
- 1 tablespoon canola oil (or other neutral oil)
- In a large bowl, combine farmer's cheese, sugar, flour and raisins. Add in eggs and mix until well combined.
- Sprinkle a few tablespoons flour on a flat surface. Using your hands, form balls from about ¼ cup of farmer's cheese mixture. Dredge lightly on both sides in flour, patting them down so they're flat and about 1 inch thick.
- Heat canola oil over medium high heat in a large pan. Add pancakes and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, until nicely browned.
- Serve with jam and/or yogurt/sour cream on top.
How much do I love that we’re not the only people who give our kids drinks in the New Glarus brewery tasting glasses.
writes Katie HenselHey they’re the right size so….no judgement ;)
writes Vicky