20 months later

Being the mom to a busy toddler is extremely different than being a mom of a newborn. Neither is better or worse, just different. There are several books you read in preparation of becoming a mom, mostly on caring for newborns and scheduling and feedings. No one ever prepared me for parenting a toddler and I have to say part of me was not ready.

The words I say the most these days are “Tyler” and “no”. I feel he is constantly testing the waters aka me + his father to see how far he can get. And why wouldn’t he? He doesn’t know any better and that’s where extreme patience comes in. (and breathing techniques) Sometimes I find that I have to walk away for a moment, especially after a long day of running and picking up after him. This isn’t an everyday occurrence. I’m not the mom of a raving lunatic. I know this is just the norm for our life right now.

I started talking with other moms of toddlers. They confided in me about their tot’s not so good ways and I did the same. It was such a relief to know what I felt was normal. Tyler is my sunshine. He can turn a frown upside down in a split second. I’ve learned a lot from him and myself because he is so much like me personality wise. Maybe that’s why I get so frustrated…I’m dealing with a miniature Tina.

There are times I crave solidarity, peace and quiet. Oh do I love a clean quiet house. I never knew how much I loved those 2 things until I had a kid. If I can steal an hour to myself out of the day which is usually nap time, I’m happy. Even happier when the boy wakes up feeling refreshed and ready to give me a work out and a million laughs.

xot

(Everday I love you more and more digital element is from Paislee Press’s newest release, Meant To Be)

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Kathleen - Check out this book. It saved my sanity.

http://www.amazon.com/1-2-3-Magic-Effective-Discipline-Children/dp/0963386190

Tina - Thanks for the recommendation!

Zorina - I resolve and surrender to my iPhone if i needed a breather from saying “NO!!” too to little H. She gets to watch some Phonics tale on YouTube for at least 30mins. Tot stage is very challenging. Goodluck to both of us. :-)

Tina - Yep, I’ve done the iPhone surrender myself, especially at Target. He’s not a shopper. :) Thanks Zorina!

Cindy Lee - Love your post! My daughter just turned 6 months and I am sure I can relate to you when she learns to walk. Even now, she is super active and already I have a hard time keeping an eye on her.

sasha farina - motherhood = constantly changing and adapting. i thought i’d have it easier now that my girls are 12 and 10. i couldn’t be more wrong. *sigh*

Nina Christensen - Wow, this is so familiar. My only daughter is 22 months and having 4 weeks off with her outta daycare has been crazy. It’s just so intense. I’m just so happy to be back to work and have her in daycare where she gets to be around little peeps her own age (who can keep up, lol). Who knew that two quiet nerds could have such a loud, active and crazy wonderful kid? ;)
I hope you get some quiet too now that the summer holiday is over. That’s all I can say. I have like zero good advice. >_<

liz - love :)

Yvette Claire - So glad to hear I’m not the only one! While I love this stage in my little son’s life (he’s talking, learning, etc.), it is absolutely challenging as well. He has learned the art of the tantrum and the more we say “no!” the more he pushes our buttons. Looking for a book right now, too. Checking out the recommendation above! Love the pix of your son, he’s a cutie!

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