Life with Leo: Milestones of an almost 3-year-old :)

Leo playing baseball in the yard.
This day he liked swinging the bat while sitting in the blue chair.

Leo and I have been home for the past week or so with a virus, which has given me lots of time to spend cuddling with him. Sickness has a way of making children regress a bit and I sort of enjoy the way that Leo needs more hugs, affection, and attention when he is sick.

Time off has also given me a chance to compile some of Leo's big and small moments from the past few months. Here are some highlights and recent photos.

Starting last month, Leo became much more conversational, asking questions, and sharing his thoughts and feelings. “I’m worried about Daddy.” “I am scared of the bouncy house. When I’m bigger, I won’t be as scared.” “What you talking about, Mommy?” “Tell me, Mommy.” “I saw a motorcycle today.”
Yesterday, Leo used the word "organizing" in context. "Mommy, what you organizing?"
The other day I asked Leo, “What did you do this morning?” He answered, "Nothing.”
Leo has noted that “too many people” make him feel nervous.
When reading the book, Ferdinand, to Leo, Leo always asks,when it comes to the scene with the big bull Ferdinand sitting alone in the center of the bull ring, "Where is his Mommy?"
Leo learned how to open and close the fridge/freezer doors by himself!
For the past 2 weeks, Leo says, “tell me about the movie theater mommy” and listens intently as I describe the ticket window, candy & popcorn, seats, and big screens. Then he says, “I don’t want to go to movie theater. It’s scary. I don’t like big screens. There’s too many people.” Then he asks me to tell him about it all over again :) Today he played in the lobby of the movie theater for the first time...and loved it!
When I asked him if he enjoyed his Halloween party, he responded “Yes, no cake though.” "But Leo, we had cookies and jello." He responded, “No cake, though.” If you could hear his little high-pitched voice as he said it - precious.
Leo pretends to do a checkup on Oscar the Grouch, and pretends to cough for him to indicate he is sick.
Leo in his own words: “I made a big poopie, it’s messy and brown.”
Leo sang “3 Blind Mice” after night night as he lay in bed.
Leo was helping unpack the groceries, and said “ooh, bacon” when he found the bacon.
Leo corrects Mommy on the right way to say Micky Mouse's secret phrase, "miska-mooska-Mickey-Mouse!"
Leo peeled garlic and did a great job!
Leo reads the book Wiggle Waggle
When asked what kind of ice cream Leo wanted, he said, “ice cream ice cream” :-)