Get This Party Started

I am no longer the mother of babies. It is official. I now have two crazy toddlers. I've been saying that for awhile, but now that it's true its left me a little forlorn. K2 just turned 2 on Friday and boy, did she make the most of her "Happy Cake" day. That's pretty much what she cared the most about - having cake. Because of this we had two - one for friends during the day, one for family in the evening. After all, she's turning 2 so I guess its symbolic. Two cakes, two parties, two blowing out of candles. The only thing that exceeded the number two that day were the presents and the tantrums ;). Ah, the life of the 2-year old.

It's a toss up to say whether two is harder, or three. K1 sure is a whiny cry-baby. I can say this because I love him with more force than anything on this planet. But it's true, he's kind of a cry-baby. At least right now in life. It's either starting preschool (which he loves) and perhaps the influence of other cry-babies, or its B being gone so much, or its just the trauma and heartache of being three. Who knows? All I know is that it has to end soon. I've heard many say that the 3s were much harder than the 2s. Super - I've still got a long way to go. My own mother raves about the 4-5 stage. They're potty trained really well (and by that I mean you're fairly certain you don't have to bring along a just-in-case change of pants), they have a longer attention span, you can talk to them about most anything and they have decently intelligent things to say.

For my money, I do love the toddler phase, despite all of its annoyances. I love my children's penchant for mischievousness, for their desire to please, for their insatiable need for hugs and love. Every day they discover something new, and I discover what I am capable of (and yes, those things I am not so capable of). It's mostly a fun time, and I wouldn't mind so much if they didn't have to grow so fast.


The biggest lessons you learn as a parent, at least for my limited experience thus far, is that kids have a way of throwing back in your face the very things you wish you weren't. My kids both have tempers, they both have no trouble speaking their minds and they can both be stubborn. But sprinkled in amongst those characteristics are things I am truly proud to pass down -the part about being able to speak their minds is a trademark. We're not changing that one ever. They also are smart, tough and full of mischief. Even though they 'technically' don't understand sarcasm at this young age, I can see they will already have that sort of biting sense of humor that I'm most proud of. They love to have their way, love to be surprised, take joy in small wonders, love to be active, and love to read. These are things B and I will continue to foster, and traits that we hope become part of the threadwork that weaves through their lives, knitting us all together as family.