As a first-time mom, everyone impressed on me the need for baby proofing, but nothing or no one could have prepared me for the joys and hazards of toddlerhood.
I’m convinced that a toddler’s motto should be: Keep up or there’ll be TROUBLE!
Toddlers are a slippery, sneaky bunch who will:
- Escape through the front door, and “politely” close it behind them
- Change your Facebook profile pic, while you handle the embarrassing fallout
- Hand you a diaper of poop, and congratulate themselves for being helpful
- Crayola your couch in red and blue, as your back is turned to them
- Fetch a heap of books to read just before bedtime, knowing you’ll have difficulty saying no
- Demand an “encore” for everything, and have a meltdown if they don’t get their way
- Use your cheque book as a drawing pad, and ignore the fancy art kit you bought for them
- Spill their dinner on the floor screaming,”fini,” while you agonize over another clean up
Raising a toddler is like celebrating Christmas, riding a roller coaster, having a root canal, getting a promotion, being pooped on, and eating your favorite meal … all at the same time … and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
What are your experiences with toddlerhood?
Uwana 
Hahaha! This is absolutely great! I’d answer your toddlerhood question here, but it’s been a while and I don’t remember. I almost miss the toddler years. Almost. I do, however, have a whole list of my own on the slippery, sneaky antics of tweens and teens. 🙂 Enjoy these toddler moments. You’ll miss them soon enough.
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Such is the life of a mother, I guess. There’s always another challenge ahead, LOL. I would love to hear about the slippery, sneaky antics of tweens and teens. Yikes! That’s kind scary though …
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My sons have both just flown back to California & Michigan; after being here for my milestone birthday..So IF I talk to much on this topic I’ll get emotional..I am missing them already! I missed them the moment they stepped onto the airplane..I miss them every single day. But anyways I must say this. Raising children IS the most important JOB in this Life. I miss when they were babies…I loved the feeling of them needing me so much. Now that they’re grown and 6’0/6’1/6’2..they need me in different ways. It takes time, time, years for a Ma/Moms/Momma to adjust to that. As it does Daddies also..The toddler years are a very crucial part of the formative years..I wish I knew then; alllll of the things I know NOW. I’m glad I read, read, READ, and read with our sons..for 2 of them beginning in the womb. I’m glad you’re enjoying your toddler time..Its a different time for every , single child you bear/raise..But its so beautiful/unique/special. Oh! take lots & lots & lots of pictures..the time will go by fast. Its great to have pics of them at every age /phase. And its so much fun for them to be able to see how little they once were. Or the hairstyles they once wore! Or the clothes they once wore. Or the many places you’ve visited together on vacation. Priceless memories
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I always love reading your wisdom. My baby girl loves to read and I have to remind myself to encourage her curiosity and learning through books. I’m glad you got to enjoy your big birthday with your sons, your grown men. It’s a testament to your success as a mom too, so congrats! I do take pictures, but nearly not as many as I used to when she was an infant. I also take video, cos they’re always fun and nostalgic to play back.
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As an uncle/great uncle of 13 with 3 more on the way. I feel very very blessed. I have been surrounded with wonderful, children since I was in my late teens.
I really only see the good side though, most of the time. Once in a great while though, the kids will come for sleep overs or I’ve stood in when their parents have been away.
That is when the angels vanish and the monsters within will tend to rear their ugly heads. As you say, Uwana, It is maddening, exhausting, exasperating and exhilarating all at the same moment.
I don’t know how I would cope with it full-time. I suspect my hair would be thin and very grey by now.
If I may be so bold, what is your big coping secret, Uwana?
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Wow, you are blessed! No matter how you slice it, children are a blessing. But they also love to test their boundaries. I suspect this is what they do when they have sleepovers. It’s basically an opportunity for them to let loose and see how far they can go.
With my little one, I find that structure and routine is extremely important. A good balance of play, learning, and rest makes for a happy toddler. Granted you can’t predict everything, but you can create a level of stability that they learn to appreciate and respect.
Thanks for the visit 🙂
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I’m not a mom yet, but that sounds exactly like many of my friend’s experiences who have kids!
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Ha! And the really great thing is that when I feel like I’ve been a negligent mom, someone else comes back with a similar experience and reassures me that I’m nota l’m not all that bad.
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many, many…many years ago my then 3 year old (now nearly 40) could not be found any where in the house, she was supposed to be napping. I had every neighbor looking for her. Finally I see her way down a side street heading towards the busiest highway around, she had already crossed TWO streets. I take off running and when she sees me she starts running towards the highway! When I got a hold of her she was laughing so hard and sweet and screams, “You found me! now you hide!” Talk about having a heart attack while feeling like the worst mother ever!
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Wow, this reads like a chilling story! Unbelievable! It’s a miracle she got that far unscathed… I guess as mothers we share a common story of the ups and downs of just tryna keep these kids alive, happy, and safe, lol.
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Too true!
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Hahaha!!! This sounds a lot like my niece! It is a lot of work, but it brings a smile to my face every time. Definitely worth it. 🙂
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Work + joy for sure 🙂
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I will be expecting all these experiences as I am going to be a mom soon! ;-D
Nice piece of writing about toddlerhood! And thanks for liking my post! 😀
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Congrats!
The key is to live in the moment and enjoy every bit of it, because babies really do grow up too fast.
All the best!
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Your post has brought back some memories and made me smile. 🙂 My kids are teens, and they still puzzle and bless me all at the same time. Enjoy those sticky hugs and kisses; I pray that at least the hugs and kisses part continues indefinitely.
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OK. So basically the wonders will never seize. I’ll just enjoy the ride then.
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