You guys know how much I love my little princess, right? She is the light of my life and all of those other sappy cliches. After having her, I now understand the phrase, “I’ll eat you up, I love you so,” from that cute book, Where the Wild Things Are, because I just love her that much. But people. The terrible twos are upon us!
I remember hearing all about the dreaded “terrible twos” and thinking, “Oh no, not my child. She is too good and sweet and all things pretty. She won’t go through that. You leave your negative thoughts to yourself, you naysayers.” Yeah. About that.
“Just you wait,” they said. “You have it easy now,” they said. Umm, you guys? They were right.
I don’t know if toddlers have it engrained into their DNA to become little monsters the day they turn two, but by golly, that is what happened to us. It’s like she received a little memo to her brain that told her to ensue the meltdowns and theatrics.
Just a little elaboration. Meltdowns have become a daily occurrence. Crying fits have become the norm. Clinging to the leg like a little spider monkey has become the new lounge spot of choice. For the love. She gets frustrated with every little thing because she has zero patience, but she wants to do all the things, and she wants to communicate so badly but she can’t. She just wants to get her point across. I feel you, baby girl. Mama gets that way sometimes, too. But we’re not even a month into two. I know things will get harder before they get easier then harder all over again. Lord, help me!
How do you get through these days or stages as a mom? As a parent? Because I know daddies feel it, too. The incessant whining for every little thing is like hearing fingernails grate a chalkboard. We’re talking old-school torture. How do you keep your cool?
You dig deep, that’s what you do. You remember that “this too shall pass.” As much as I want this “terrible twos” stage to pass, I don’t want her to grow up either. She’s my baby. She’s my chubby-cheeked, bright-eyed, wavy-haired, innocent, fun-loving, little muffin. For all the million things that drive me batty, there are a million and one that make my heart swell with love.
When it’s been a rough day, I try to remember that the days are long, but the years are short. I don’t have to love every day, but I will always love every day with her in it. You feel me? Growing up is hard for these little people learning how to communicate. I’m thirty-something, still dramatic, and have even been called a whiner. (For the record, I have no idea why.) So apparently, there are some traits she just might not ever lose.
I always talk about grace and how I want to give it because I’ve received it, and it goes for my little tantrum throwing toddler, too. It’s my job to love her through the tantrums. It’s my job to help her through them. It’s my job to help her learn right from wrong. It’s my job to discipline her when it’s necessary. It’s my job to remember that I’m the adult she’s looking to for guidance. It’s my job to remember that these tantrums are not personal attacks. It’s my job to remember that she is learning the ropes of this thing called life. I will never stop being her mother. I will never stop loving her.
I’ve learned that there are some things you just have to let go. Being this sweet girl’s mama has humbled me like no other. I used to try to hold onto the reigns of life really tightly, but now I like to let go and let God take over. I can’t be a perfect parent, but I can try to be a really good one. If I remember that and that grace will get us through, then I’m pretty certain we can get through the terrible twos. Because guess what? I hear that three is even more interesting. And let’s not even go there with the teenage years. Grace, y’all. Grace. It’ll take us all the way home.
Are you going through the same stage with your little babe? How do you deal with the “terrible twos?” I just read 10 Tips for Surviving the Toddler Years and loved those tips, too.
Stay strong, mamas! We can do it!
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Oh girl, I could have written this entire post. I feel you. Scarlett was a little angel until she hit a few months after two (so I was totally that naive mom who thought my kid was above the terrible twos)
Oh but they have hit, and for the first time in my short parenting career I honestly have NO idea what to do. When S has a huge fit and throws herself into a scary tantrum, I don’t know how to console her, I don’t know how to discipline her, I just survive it and get through it the best I can… which sometimes includes exasperated pleas for her to stop… “for the love” haha.
You know my pain! :) When she’s really non-stop with the incessant whining and full on alligator tears, I don’t ever really know what to do either. And when Michael is asking, “Why is she crying?” It’s like, umm….I don’t know! Lol. I just hold her really tightly and squeeze her until she calms down. But I’m wondering if that’s going to spoil her or just help her through. Who knows. Ha!
Love this! My little brother is 3 and he is still a lil monster…but gosh he is cute!
Thanks, Alyssa! They are the cutest things ever. My grandma always says about her grown kids to this day, “They’re so precious, I could just slap ’em.” Lol. Hope you’re having a good one!
okay so the title of this post made me laugh out loud…seriously. I’ve been there. It is tough. Just keep going. You’ve got this. I am over here cheering you on!! xo!
Haha, Jamie! It was either this or DMX’s “Y’all Gonna Make Me Lose My Mind.” Because my dog is just as needy as this little lady. That should probably be another blog post: When Your Dog is a Divo. Lol.
Thanks for always cheering me on! You rock, mama!
OH girl. Been there! Still there :) 3’s are even more interesting :) But you can do it, even one minute, one second at a time. Ryan wasn’t so bad on the 2’s but Q was my princess drama. I found the best thing I could do before I absolutely flipped a lid was to put her somewhere safe, walk away and regain my composure as to not make the situation worse. Hang in there! You are a GREAT mom.
That’s what I keep hearing! Lol. Thank you so much for the encouragement! :) That is some great advice. Love you, girlfriend!
Oh girl, I could have written this entire post. I feel you. Scarlett was a little angel until she hit a few months after two (so I was totally that naive mom who thought my kid was above the terrible twos)
Oh but they have hit, and for the first time in my short parenting career I honestly have NO idea what to do. When S has a huge fit and throws herself into a scary tantrum, I don't know how to console her, I don't know how to discipline her, I just survive it and get through it the best I can… which sometimes includes exasperated pleas for her to stop… "for the love" haha.
Love this! My little brother is 3 and he is still a lil monster…but gosh he is cute!
okay so the title of this post made me laugh out loud…seriously. I've been there. It is tough. Just keep going. You've got this. I am over here cheering you on!! xo!
OH girl. Been there! Still there :) 3's are even more interesting :) But you can do it, even one minute, one second at a time. Ryan wasn't so bad on the 2's but Q was my princess drama. I found the best thing I could do before I absolutely flipped a lid was to put her somewhere safe, walk away and regain my composure as to not make the situation worse. Hang in there! You are a GREAT mom.
Oh girl I feel ya. A was a hot mess for a while at 2. But it got better and wasn’t as bad as I expected. Now 3. 3 is a whole new ball game. I’m sorry it’s been rough lately but it will get better. Promise. :)
Ha! I can’t wait for 3. :) She is so funny because she definitely goes through phases daily. I just love her little personality to pieces. I know we’ll make it through it. We just might not always have the cleanest house or supper ready on time. ;) And that is fine by me. Love ya, Tiffany!
Oh gosh. I am not excited about that. Terrible Twos and then Threenagers. But at the same time, how cute is she in these photos? I cannot wait to meet her – so soon!!
Haha! Some escape unharmed, Ailee. Maybe Isla will stay sweet forever. You never know. ;) And I am so excited to meet you Monday!!! :) Agh!!!
You know my pain! :) When she's really non-stop with the incessant whining and full on alligator tears, I don't ever really know what to do either. And when Michael is asking, "Why is she crying?" It's like, umm….I don't know! Lol. I just hold her really tightly and squeeze her until she calms down. But I'm wondering if that's going to spoil her or just help her through. Who knows. Ha!
Thanks, Alyssa! They are the cutest things ever. My grandma always says about her grown kids to this day, "They're so precious, I could just slap 'em." Lol. Hope you're having a good one!
Haha, Jamie! It was either this or DMX's "Y'all Gonna Make Me Lose My Mind." Because my dog is just as needy as this little lady. That should probably be another blog post: When Your Dog is a Divo. Lol.
Thanks for always cheering me on! You rock, mama!
That's what I keep hearing! Lol. Thank you so much for the encouragement! :) That is some great advice. Love you, girlfriend!
Kristy, the title of this post is too funny! It is hard to believe that the sweet angel we’re seeing in these photos has now hit her terrible twos. Fortunately, they pass and will be the source of humorous memories in the future. Happy Friday :)
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/2015/3/1/3215
Thank you! She is a sweet angel 90% of the time. A very active, sometimes whiney angel, but still a sweetheart. :) I’m loving every funny memory and storing them forever. Happy Friday to you, too!
Oh girl I feel ya. A was a hot mess for a while at 2. But it got better and wasn't as bad as I expected. Now 3. 3 is a whole new ball game. I'm sorry it's been rough lately but it will get better. Promise. :)
Oh gosh. I am not excited about that. Terrible Twos and then Threenagers. But at the same time, how cute is she in these photos? I cannot wait to meet her – so soon!!
Kristy, the title of this post is too funny! It is hard to believe that the sweet angel we're seeing in these photos has now hit her terrible twos. Fortunately, they pass and will be the source of humorous memories in the future. Happy Friday :)
http://www.lovecompassionatelee.com/thinkoutloud/2015/3/1/3215
My daughter turns two next week and I can’t imagine her acting a fool, lol. She’s so sweet! BUT I also have a three year old son, so I know it’s inevitable. ;-) I have to say, though, in our experience three has been more difficult than two. My son is a straight up threenager! But this too shall pass. ;-)
Haha, Kristel! That’s exactly what I thought. You might just get away with a sweetheart forever. You never know. ;) I’m hoping since two is looking to be trying, that three will be better? Regardless, she is my little muffin, and I love her to death. I just drink more coffee to keep up with her antics. And say more prayers. Lol.
Happy Friday and happy weekend!
Oh man! This was so fun to read. I think one of our friend’s kids is going through this right now… she is crazzzyyyy.
Thank you so much, Daisy! Yeah, kids be crazy during this stage. Lol. Hope you have a great weekend!
My daughter turns two next week and I can't imagine her acting a fool, lol. She's so sweet! BUT I also have a three year old son, so I know it's inevitable. ;-) I have to say, though, in our experience three has been more difficult than two. My son is a straight up threenager! But this too shall pass. ;-)
Ha! I can't wait for 3. :) She is so funny because she definitely goes through phases daily. I just love her little personality to pieces. I know we'll make it through it. We just might not always have the cleanest house or supper ready on time. ;) And that is fine by me. Love ya, Tiffany!
Haha! Some escape unharmed, Ailee. Maybe Isla will stay sweet forever. You never know. ;) And I am so excited to meet you Monday!!! :) Agh!!!
Thank you! She is a sweet angel 90% of the time. A very active, sometimes whiney angel, but still a sweetheart. :) I'm loving every funny memory and storing them forever. Happy Friday to you, too!
Haha, Kristel! That's exactly what I thought. You might just get away with a sweetheart forever. You never know. ;) I'm hoping since two is looking to be trying, that three will be better? Regardless, she is my little muffin, and I love her to death. I just drink more coffee to keep up with her antics. And say more prayers. Lol.
Happy Friday and happy weekend!
Oh man! This was so fun to read. I think one of our friend's kids is going through this right now… she is crazzzyyyy.
Thank you so much, Daisy! Yeah, kids be crazy during this stage. Lol. Hope you have a great weekend!
Awww, yes, the twos are hard. Well, actually, for us the threes were/are hard. I love what you said about the days being long but the years short… it’s so true.
Eventually this phase will pass. Oh my she looks so sweet (I love the line “I’ll eat you up, I love you so.” I’ve used that line many times myself. Oh course the answer is “NO!” LOL
Thanks for sharing my friend.
Big hugs and prayers for infinite patience are being sent your way.
xoxo
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Life is constantly changing, as I’m sure you’re well aware with your girls, but I wouldn’t change a thing. Maybe just the ability to feel like a toddler meltdown is not excruciating to my ears? Lol. Thanks for the hugs and prayers! Sending them right back to you! :)
Awww, yes, the twos are hard. Well, actually, for us the threes were/are hard. I love what you said about the days being long but the years short… it's so true.
Eventually this phase will pass. Oh my she looks so sweet (I love the line "I'll eat you up, I love you so." I've used that line many times myself. Oh course the answer is "NO!" LOL
Thanks for sharing my friend.
Big hugs and prayers for infinite patience are being sent your way.
xoxo
AWW! Seriously, this post could describe our life exactly right now too!!! Meltdowns on the daily over here!!!! There are seriously days, I have NO idea what to do. Here’s to hoping this will pass (sooner than later!!) XO
Haha! So glad you can relate. It seems like we’re all going through it. ;) This week has been pretty good so far, but I know that can change at the drop of a hat. Literally. Hoping for more happy days than meltdown days!
AWW! Seriously, this post could describe our life exactly right now too!!! Meltdowns on the daily over here!!!! There are seriously days, I have NO idea what to do. Here's to hoping this will pass (sooner than later!!) XO
My littlest one just turned two, so yes, I am right there with you!! I love how you said you don’t have to love every day, but that you love every day with her in it. And at three their heads start spinning and you sometimes wonder if you need to call a priest in LOL. I’m still recovering from my oldest who just turned 4. He’s getting so much calmer, THANK YOU SWEET BABY JESUS. Twos and threes are a scary, scary time…though they make for some funny stories later on!
Oh, the sweet toddler life. Thanks for the heads up about the head spinning. Can’t wait for that action! Lol. But yes, until the life calms, funny stories in the making for the win! ;)
My littlest one just turned two, so yes, I am right there with you!! I love how you said you don't have to love every day, but that you love every day with her in it. And at three their heads start spinning and you sometimes wonder if you need to call a priest in LOL. I'm still recovering from my oldest who just turned 4. He's getting so much calmer, THANK YOU SWEET BABY JESUS. Twos and threes are a scary, scary time…though they make for some funny stories later on!
Thanks so much, Jennifer! Life is constantly changing, as I'm sure you're well aware with your girls, but I wouldn't change a thing. Maybe just the ability to feel like a toddler meltdown is not excruciating to my ears? Lol. Thanks for the hugs and prayers! Sending them right back to you! :)
Haha! So glad you can relate. It seems like we're all going through it. ;) This week has been pretty good so far, but I know that can change at the drop of a hat. Literally. Hoping for more happy days than meltdown days!
Oh, the sweet toddler life. Thanks for the heads up about the head spinning. Can't wait for that action! Lol. But yes, until the life calms, funny stories in the making for the win! ;)