Marshall’s soundtrack has diversified. A few months ago I mentioned it was a string of “children’s music”. Now, he is a fan of pop music. He currently requests the “Bum Bum Bi Dum” Song, which most other individuals refer to as “Disturbia” by Rihanna. The other top song you can find him singing is “Human” by The Killers. Grandma Sullivan was very confused when Marshall kept proclaiming “My Hands are Cold” (a line from “Human”), when in fact his hands were nice and toasty. Lesser favorites include “I Hate This Part” by the Pussycat Dolls and “Please Don’t Stop the Music” by Rihanna.
Marshall couldn’t resist this motorized ATV at Connor’s 3rd birthday party
Couch Potato
In addition to watching his girlfriend Rihanna’s videos on YouTube (we don’t actually let him watch the “real” Disturbia video -too disturbing), Marshall is a fan of all things video. He watches Curious George, Thomas the Tank Engine (back on the playlist) and other PBS shows (some in Spanish) at Grandma Sullivan’s house. At home he will watch any number of DVDs I have gotten out from the library about John Deere equipment or other vehicles. One time I put in two DVDs back to back to see if he would get bored, but Marshall sat and watched them contentedly.
It’s Still Not Potty Time
We have made a very small baby step in the Potty training direction. While previously it brought on much tears and screaming, Marshall will now at least sit on the potty. Mind you he has never actually done anything while sitting there. Tim tries to relax him by reading a book to him while he’s on the potty at night before bed, but it has yet borne any potty success. I’m going to wait at least until July before I put Marshall into training pants. I just don’t think he’s ready yet.
Feets of strength
In the past month, Marshall has actually started to use the pedals on his tricycle from time to time. His preferred method of transport is still to scoot, but at least it’s a start. He also has gotten pretty good at kicking the soccer ball around since Tim has been bringing him to my earlier Weds night soccer matches. He looks forward to asking a teammate of mine, Kate, to borrow her “pink ball”. I have opted not to enroll Marshall in the “Little Kickers” classes or swim classes this summer. These classes are just too expensive or have odd schedules. I don’t think Marshall’s soccer/swimming ability is going to come up lacking in the long run, if I don’t enroll him this young. I figure we will use my brother’s pool or the Community pool within walking distance when it gets warm this summer.
You see on this page?
Thankfully, Marshall loves him some books. If you sit with him, he will bring you book upon book upon book to read together. One of the games he likes to play while reading is “I Spy”. He will initiate the game by exclaiming, “You see on this page!?” Sometimes, if you are within earshot, but not currently reading to him, he will scream “You see on this page?!” to try and initiate a reading session.
I love it you drill
It’s very touching to hear your child say “I love you.” However, Marshall may not know what he is actually saying when he mimics those words back to us. You are just as likely to hear him say “I love it you item/action he really doesn’t like”. For instance, he’ll say “I love it you change my diaper”, when it is clear he really doesn’t want his diaper changed. I’m wondering if he’s just missing the word “not”. In any event, it really is fun to be holding (simple) conversations with Marshall these days. Plus, I do think he loves us. 
♥
