A Few Things to Do Before He's Through Being 2

What's sweeter than the sound of a child not just laughing but completely and totally cracking up? Two-year-olds tend to be suckers for the same "joke" on repeat — and after the 14th time that you've made Elmo fall off the bed, it becomes tough for any sane adult to keep the enthusiasm level up. But appreciating the fact that they're really this happy over this little is enough to make any parent grin and bear it.

They're becoming more and more independent every day, which is a good thing, but being able to navigate a museum or shopping mall — or go for a lengthy walk or jog — with your tot safely strapped into the stroller is a total luxury. Take advantage of it while you still can (that is, if you still can!).

Before you know it, they're going to be requesting after-preschool playdates with kids you've never even heard of. Enjoy the awesome but brief phase of being able to dictate their social lives for them.

For many toddlers, 2-3 is the age when picky eating really rears its ugly head. If your formerly daring diner starts requesting chicken fingers for every meal, stage a (subtle) intervention, and do your best to switch things up as often and with as much variety as possible to keep bad habits from forming.

. . . With themselves, with you, with their friends — their early use of language is pretty much guaranteed to be priceless. Soak it all in, ask question after question, and enjoy the most unpredictable conversations of your day.

You may think you'll remember those sweet and hysterical things that they say and do, but a mom's mind is a crowded one, and it's crazy how quickly you'll forget. You don't have to have a formal "baby book," though. Use an app, create an email address for your child to forward fun anecdotes to, or just keep a running "Notes" document open on your iPhone to jot down quotes as they happen.

If you have a cuddly little kid, take advantage of every last snuggle they'll give you. It could last for years, but they could also push you away tomorrow, so soak it in while the option's there!

Just as the mere sight of newborn clothes will tug at your heartstrings once your baby hits the ripe old age of 1, tiny toddler shoes and coats make the moms of kindergartners nostalgic. Embrace the sweetness, and avoid those damn light-up sneakers for as long as you possibly can.

Seriously, cling to this precious midday break for as long as you possibly can. For both your child's sake and your own, it's a gift that you're guaranteed to miss once it's gone.