where did our baby go?

Since we met him, Garty has always had a particular cry that he uses when he's throwing a tantrum as well as a whiny cry that he uses when he wants attention (interrupted by silences while he listens to see if anyone is responding appropriately). Now, however, he has definitely reached toddler stage. He has started stomping his feet so we can't miss the fact that he's throwing a tantrum. Sometimes he also throws himself down to make his point clear. Recently when he was angry at his siblings he spun himself around and slammed his face into the side of the door frame. Another time he tried to throw himself on the ground but missed and hit the corner of the coffee table. Both incidents looked rather painful, but it was hard not to laugh since he brought it on himself. This afternoon Garty was so unhappy about wearing his boots that he had to come in from playing in the snow and sit with his sick Mommy because Daddy was tired of hearing all the whining. Tonight he decided he didn't want to eat his dinner and started spitting it back at Peter. As Peter was telling him that he would get his hand smacked if he spit his food out again, Garty made a face that made Peter laugh, seriously diminishing the threat of punishment. The good news is that the toddler/terrible 2's stage only lasts a month or 2. Right??!!