Firstly... can you believe that these:
have turned into THESE!?!?:
Where did that 2 years go??
Kids... aren't they amazing??
They can stir such a range of emotions within us, their parents. And I'm certain their ability to do so only grows and grows every day.
The thing I'm discovering more about my two, now they're getting a little older and aren't little babies anymore (they're still my babies, but they're just getting so grown up!) is that they are becoming:
- A lot more egotistical. They care about how they feel a lot more, and express it openly. They are aware of their own feelings and when they verbalise them, that affects you as a parent (both in positive and negative ways).
- A lot more blatantly honest/not very discerning about what they "just come out with".
- They are also far more concerned with the wellbeing of others around them - particularly, their mummy...
Personally, I'm one of those mums who...
- Wells up with pride when I see my child attend to the needs of someone else before their own, or extends generosity and affection to another child or person...
- Feels bad when my child stands patiently whilst adults are conversing for a whole five minutes (which equates to hours in "toddler time") waiting to speak... then when it's their turn to speak, they've only been waiting to say "Thank you" for something you did for them an hour or even a day ago...
- Is still completely melted and surprised every single time my child, without any prompting, comes up and says "Muuuuuuum..... I love you!" (Still makes me cry nearly every time!)
- Actually FEELS genuinely pretty when my 3 year old comes into the bathroom when you're doing your hair or makeup and tells you "You look booodiful, Mama"...
- Thinks it's sooooo sweet, rather than disgusting (though I'll admit, I have kinda been put off bananas for life due to this) when they try to wedge the last piece of whatever they're eating generously into your mouth?
- Actually does a genuine happy dance up and down and makes a huge fuss when they've successfully taken themself off to the toilet productively
- Hurts deeply when they say they are sad or upset because of something someone did, or said, or a really sad conclusion they've drawn on their own...
- Am so proud when my son makes a logical connection about something to do with nature, or the world around him...
- Love how they think YOU are fantastic and great... even on the days where you yourself are just not feeling it...!
- Crack up laughing when they are complete wallies doing something ridiculous and silly...
I'm very much appreciating more and more the greater facets that you get from toddlers to babies. Babies are gorgeous and sweet and I loved "having babies"... But these toddlers of mine? They're so incredibly diverse and getting smarter and more socially engaged every day.
Sure... It's tiring as fuck... and takes a hell of a lot of time and I'm coining lots of those cliche phrases "Stop that. Put that down. Leave your sister alone. Don't put your finger in there. Where did all this mess come from?!?" and other bossings-around... but on the whole, I am appreciating the "work" these toddlers are creating for me as they are giving so so much back now in return...
Their language is coming along so well and with that comes real "conversations" with them... Tyler's great for "telling you things" that you didn't know about his day now... Maya is getting there with her talking and can tell you she's tired or wants something now... They're little whirlwinds bringing a tornado of emotions and a hurricane of happiness with them wherever they go..!
It's crazy how quickly the last few years has ticked over... and yet how the dynamic has changed in such a short amount of time. It's adding a whole new enjoyable aspect to parenthood. It's not just about meeting their basic needs now... they're able to be so engaged in life and their world and taught so much... And they'll only continue to grow their knowledge and wit and humor and sensitivity as time continues to pass...
I love my little human beings...! :)
