I haven't had access to the laptop for weeks, so I've been unable to post.

Louison turned two about two weeks ago. Two isn't as bad as they all say. Here's what our boy is up to:

He has many, many words. So many I've lost count. More than 100, I'm sure. He will only speak them with family and intimate friends, however. Everyone else thinks he's mute.

He knows and can say most of his letters, colors, shapes, and numbers (single digits, full disclosure). He only knows them in English, however. Since he only just learned, we don't know whether we should also teach them in French, or whether that will lead to frustration at this point.

Speaking of language - he's clearly becoming English dominant. That's not surprising - the mother's language and the "outside" language are most readily picked up, in my observation. Bilingualism isn't automatic, but people seem to think otherwise.

We took Lou sledding today in our hilly backyard. He couldn't get enough.

He finally sleeps! Soundly!

He loves preschool. He barely looks back when I leave him. Actually he doesn't - he waves at me by flinging his arm behind his back. And he greets his friends with an enthusiastic "HiiiiiI!!!!"

After spending a whole year in size 12 months, he's now shooting through sizes faster than our bank account can comfortably afford. I feel like I need to buy new clothes every few weeks.

He likes to pretend play. Toy trains must be kissed goodnight. Winnie the Pooh must have his diaper changed and be tucked into bed Sometimes he is a dog, crawling on all fours, panting, pretending to drink from the bowl.

So you see, two isn't so terrible. And I've said this with every stage, but I don't want him to change.

Hé ben, félicitations Loulou ! :-D

Happy 2nd Birthday Louison! We call Louise LouLou too!

I agree with you in that bilingualism is not automatic. I have an American colleague whose girls are not at all bilingual because he rarely speaks English with them. I think it's a choice that parents need to make for themselves and for their kids because it does require some work. Living in France, we feel it's important for our kids to speak fluent English on top of the French they'll automatically learn in schools and interact with on a daily basis here because in today's world, English is a necessity. But, we did have a hard time deciding the approach to take. Everyone says the French parent should speak French, the Anglophone English, but that doesn't work for us. Gab is at the crèche 4 days a week full time in French. If only I spoke English at home, we don't feel like it would be enough, so Etienne also speaks and relates to Gab and Louise in English at home because he can. You've gotta do what feels right and what's natural for your family.