Toddlerhood

I thought this photo was a pretty accurate depiction of fun toddler times!

Well, we've officially had a toddler in our household for some weeks now and I'm finally getting around to posting about it.
The pitter-patter of little feet is a staple in our household these days as Brady scurries around following us from room to room.
His new found freedom in mobility has brought with it some increase in "clinginess." We're happy to encourage his independence when he's engaged in something on his own by not disturbing him. We also are fine with reassuring him we'll meet his needs if socialization and participating in what we're doing is what he's after.
I'm really looking forward to getting his play space revamped to meet his growing curiosity and ability to explore as he has gained new upright perspective on the world.

His communication skills are really emerging. It's clear though they are not where he would like them to be. It must be so frustrating to hear everyone around you talking and getting their points across, to know what you want to say, but not have the language to express it. We try whenever possible to give him the words he's looking for (to replace the emphatic "aaah?" & "uuuhh!"). We'll say "pick me up please," "more please," "again please," "read it please," so he hears the words and knows we understand what he wants. He's been doing pretty well with signing. He recently got the hang of "more." He still waits to see it and duplicates the sign rather than initiating it. But, he's pretty proud of himself for expressing what he wants somehow.

This toddlerhood stage already has it's challenges. But, I can also see it's going to be super fun as his personality continues to emerge and he grows more independent.

What areas of the early second year do you/did you find most challenging? What are the best parts about this age?