Missing my two year old

I read a good bit of mom blogs and I’ve noticed that there are 2 types. There is the kind where the moms barely mention their kids and you start to wonder if they really do have kids. And then there is the kind that is all about their kids and you wonder if they are insane and if they ever do anything that doesn’t involve their kids.

My blog posts thus far have mostly resembled the first kind. But, I don’t want my readers to get the wrong idea about me. There has to be a balance. My kids are a HUGE part of my life and I love them more than anything in this world. So, it only makes sense to write about them occasionally.

Their birthdays’ have just came and passed so I thought this would be an appropriate time to write about my Ladies. This will be a 2-part post, sense obviously, I have 2 kids and they each deserve their own post.

Welcome to part 1.

Lydia turned 3 years old yesterday, February 17. Three years old! I can’t believe how quickly time flies by. Every year that passes is bittersweet. Our kids are getting older, which is nice. They don’t need me to do everything for them all the time. But, with it comes new problems and difficulties.

I loved the Twos for both our girls. Whoever came up with the term “Terrible twos,” did not have children like mine. They were so fun. Everything was new and exciting. Everything that came out of their mouths was hilarious and adorable. They were so cute in their little clothes with their little bodies that still had their baby fat and little puffy faces. They had pretty much outgrown all the baby stuff and every day with a 2 year old was amazing as they discovered all the cool things in their world.

The Threes however, has shown to be completely different. About a month ago Lydia started arguing, asserting herself, stealing from her playmates, fussing, bossing and telling us "NO." Ooo wee. I was thinking “what happened to my sweet little girl who was so eager to please, well behaved and tenderhearted?” Oh yeah. She’s about to be 3 and she is starting to push her limits. Naptimes will become shorter or nonexistent and “mommy,” will become “mom.”

‘Tis the year of personality and identity. Finding her place in the world and figuring out exactly what we will let her get away with and what is unacceptable. Just when I was starting to get comfortable with reminders instead of time-outs she unleashes the beast on me.

Delores went through the same thing. Her entire third year I thought she was never going to get it. There were even days where I doubted I could deal with her anymore and of course, I doubted myself.

Honestly, I’m pretty sad about this. Lydia has been my baby. It is going to be hard to get stricter on her and I’m not looking forward to it. I know this is an important milestone in her life which, if she comes out unharmed, will be the determining point in her life where she learns to deal with failure, disappointments, treating others with kindness and empathy, developing language and how to get her point across effectively, developing her outlook on life either positively or negatively and learning to love the Lord with all her heart, soul and mind. It is the most difficult year because thus far I have noticed that this is the most important year for social and emotional growth. Being the person who is with her the most and shaping her everyday I understand I have a big responsibility to her this year. It is up to me to show her the way and develop her love for Christ. That is just a little intimidating.

To me she will always be my sweet baby. Sensitive to other people’s needs and feelings and a funny little actress. It will be interesting to see how she grows and changes this year. But really, can the Three’s just be over with already, please?!

 

Ps. Please enjoy the following pictures of the progression of her life.