Sometimes it is hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. When we are having a good phase *I try* to just sit back and enjoy it for what it is, because it is bound to end at some point. When we are in a bad phase I sit back and cry (not really, more like scream) and hope that it ends soon. When the bad phases pass I sit back and think that really, they weren’t so bad. When I’m in the middle of them it is hard to see the light at the end. I’m sure it has something to do with me being a first time Mom and not knowing what to expect. Add to that the fact that there are two little devils running around which really keeps things in permanent crazy mode.
The dynamic is MUCH different with two toddlers. When one runs off you can’t just chase after them and grab them because chances are the other is running off in the opposite direction. When they have meltdowns you can’t soothe them both at the same time (well, I can’t anyway) because they want ALL of your attention and they DO NOT want to share me, my lap, or my hugs. They feed off one another so when one is misbehaving the other is not far behind.
The other day while shopping at Tar*get I saw the light! It was shining brightly upon me. Hand holding is nothing new around here. Anytime the babies are not contained they are holding my hands. Don’t ask me how I got so lucky, but they never run away *knock on wood*, they always listen and hold my hand tightly. Sometimes I will tell them it is ok to let go and explore and they still hold my hand. So we were at Tar*get with Daddy and the babies wanted out of the cart. We let them out and low and behold even in the toy aisle they held our hands and listened to us. We walked around the entire store without one incident of pulling toys or goods from the shelves, no running off, no fuss no muss.
The light has continued so shine upon me. Each day I notice little things that used to be SO hard getting easier. Loading and unloading two babies into and out of the car each and every day. Oh my, I remember the days of carrying one baby to the car, strapping them in and running back into the house to grab the other baby and do the same. Now they follow me out to the car and back into the house. Really, such a small thing, but big at the same time.
They understand cause and effect. They understand if they do something bad they get time out. They understand if they listen to Mommy they get praise and sometimes even treats. They understand that they can’t run off the side of the couch, slide, or other play structure. Oh my, I remember the days of carrying both babies into the park, holding my breath hoping they wouldn’t run in opposite directions, up different play structures, or out of the park completely. These days they walk next to me holding my hands and understand the danger of open spaces on the play structures. So little, yet so big.
Long gone are the days of toting bottles, food, diaper bag, stroller, and everything else babies need. These days we can head to the mall with our sippies and wallet and grab a very unhealthy lunch at good old Micky D’s.
Picture taken with phone, ignore the bad quality.
This light and me, we are now BFF’s 4 Ever. More please!!
January 26th, 2009 at 8:44 am
I’m right there with you. Well, 1/2 with you anyways, since I only have one 2 year old. It is slowly getting easier. Madeline will now put on her pants, socks, shoes, get into her carseat, even buckle herself in if I give her enough time. It’s their little self-suffiencencies (sp?) that start to add up. But the fiesty-ness is still there 100%. Shenzie and her hats- too cute.