Tackling the Tantrums

We have some new challenges this week...but also some new skills accomplished. The challenges? They coincide with the previous post. I do believe we are entering in to some uncharted territory known as the "terrible two's"?

First, I'm not a fan of that name - the kid's not terrible - so it will be the last time it's used (even when I feel like it's the only way to describe it sometimes - I will resist).
We have just had an influx of crying spells (that may or may not qualify as tantrums) and some separation anxiety that was for sure not present before this week. I am happy to say that here, at the end of the week, it has gotten better. The beginning was not fun, but I think I have prepared myself to be more patient and we've both been adjusting.

How am I tackling this? I don't know how! So tips at this point would be appreciated. There are a couple of things that I've been doing, and they seem to have been working some, but who knows :)
* When he starts to cry and wine (usually for unknown reason), I've started asking him to say "cheese!" instead; he knows this means to smile and so far, it actually works (though not long-lasting all the time)
* I have found myself OVERLY explaining things to him these days, with eye contact, down at his level; we go over EVERYTHING that we're about to do, what will happen when we are doing it, and what will happen when it is over; this helps when I leave him in nursery or with someone, or in bed (yes - he has even started crying when we put him down!)
* When his voice gets louder, mine gets softer
* And then for those times he completely throws himself in the floor (thankfully this isn't that often), I completely ignore him. Usually he will realize I'm not even there anymore and just get up.
* And then I'm more conscious this week about making sure he gets plenty of play-time. Some days I can get caught up in errands and working out and whatnot, that I forget he hasn't had just time to play. Terrible, I know, but we've made sure he has it this week.

But in milestone news, Noah is a little crab! Crawling everywhere and getting mighty fast at it! It's so fun to watch. He gets himself in hairy situations sometimes, but always yells for help. Because of this, he's been more engaged with Lincoln which is great!