Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Things I'm learning



Things I'm learning about parenting:

1. There will always be tantrums. Even if you have the most chill child on the block he'll still have moments of near hysteria that make you scratch your head in bewilderment. Before William reached 16 months I quite literally thought that those upsetting children crying ridiculously in the supermarkets were simply a lack of parenting skills at work. Nope. It comes with immature emotional behavior and an inability to communicate. *ahem*

2. They take a half-step backwards to take a full step forward. One of my neighbors tipped me off to this one just last week. It was very timely wisdom as William has turned into a tyrant this week. I keep praying that there's some hidden developmental push coming after this mania.

3. They will skip naps, get up way too early, and protest the routine. As I approach the 20 week mark with baby #2, I count on William's naps. That's when I rest, put my feet up and actually eat something slowly (because, let's face it, with a toddler, I'm usually stuffing the snacks in before he pulls all the books off the shelf or before he grabs the snack and stuffs it into his mouth). You learn amazing coping techniques when the routine is bucked--and I don't have grandparents nearby to come save me, either! They usually involve lots of book-reading, impromptu playdates, trips to the coffee shop and visits to Bert, our beloved doorman.

4. Never underestimate the joy a baby's giggle can make you. My patience will be depleted and frustration creeping into my bones, and William will find something fascinating and give a huge "Ohhh!" followed by a giggle or two and everything seems to right itself again in my world. He'll share his toys, give hugs to his stuffed owl, dance to Elvis or gobble up blueberries in two-fisted style, and suddenly my world seems brighter. Better. Like nothing I could have expected.

XOXO,
Jewels

7 comments:

Krissy | Paper Schmaper said...

oh girlie, what a sweet post. I'm glad you are having some "you" time! Next time I hear or see a child with a tantrum in public, I believe I'll think differently because of this post. hugs!

Joyce said...

Jewels I didn't know about #2- congrats!!! I am just coming up for air after the last few months. Whoa.... This is great news!!! xo

Special 'K' said...

What a great post! My first visit to your special space here and I so pleased I found you. I know I am going to enjoy many visits. Thanks for sharing. I will follow on my way out and hope you can find the time to come visit me and do the same. I look forward to engaging throughout twenty twelve with you. Cheers SpecialK XoXo

Victoria Strauser said...

So cool you are finding peace admist the chaos. You will need it when you have teenagers, too. ;)

chiara said...

what a nicely said post. so glad I found my way over the internet here. I too thought the same thing about tantrums, and now have eaten crow for the last four years.....

Suzanne : : S.HOPtalk said...

#2 and 4 are spot on in my experience. How are you, Mama? So excited to pop over here and see your sweet William. Have missed you. xo

pve design said...

Wow, Look what I missed.
Congrats on learning new things!
everyday.
pve