This photo was a rare opportunity to capture my true child.
Most other moments today would be characterized as a "terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad day". It started with a missed nap and was filled with temper tantrums, a few chosen items thrown across the room, 2 "stop it mommy" statements, plenty of "I don't like it"'s, numerous attempts to climb down the stairs, and a boycott of most of her meals (except for the chocolate dessert at lunch).
1) We are in Delaware.
2) Spring provided a glimmer of hope that it is right around the corner.
3) Lunch was spent celebrating my mommom's birthday as 5 generations sat around the table.
4) I have had some wonderful opportunities to spend time with my dearest friends and marvel at the fact that though life around us is drastically changing, our friendships are held fast and enduring.
5) I made 3 random purchases today that make me quite happy: a planner, a wallet, and a seersucker whale dress for Julia to wear this summer.
6) I took a nap 2 days in a row - a big deal, I know!
7) For some strange reason, baby #2 was doing flips and somersaults throughout the entire day - a constant reminder of his presence.
8) A random phone call from my sister always makes me smile and gives me perspective.
9) Tonight we spring forward.
10) I watched Julia's eyes grow heavy as she fell fast asleep in my mom's arms tonight. A sight that is so precious that it brings tears to my eyes.
Parenting is a challenging endeavor. Parenting a 21-month old seems to belong in a whole separate category. She is becoming too smart for her own good, but not quite at the point of recognizing where things go wrong. I have had to conjure a great deal of patience and draw from the wisdom of friends who have gone through this stage already. In the midst of all of this, life just gets more and more fun. It is easy to become completely focused on assuring my child's good behavior, but when I do that I miss out on a lot. Just when I think she has completely unraveled, she is fine and we are back on track. I plan on ordering this picture to hang in our home. It will be my forever reminder of the fact that though she'd had a melt down only seconds earlier, this precious moment was right around the corner.
Happy parenting to all of my friend's with 2-ish year olds!
This is all so true! There is something about this 18-24 month age that is total extremes - the best of the best (charming, laughing, chattering children) and the worst of the worst (refusals, tantrums, inexplicable tears and sudden mood swings!) all in the same 24 hour period. It requires more patience than I have most days. You've hit the nail on the head - it is madness and magic all at the same time.
ReplyDeleteIt prepares you for when she in 12 years old.
ReplyDelete