When You're The Mom of a Toddler

Having a child comes with so many emotions and feelings, both negative and positive. When Scarlett was first born, it was overwhelming.  You're responsible for a tiny, helpless human being who relies on you for everything.  At that point, you can't see how things can ever get easier.  You know of course they do, but it seems like lightyears away when you're doing a 3 AM feeding.

I remember in the early days of Scarlett's life thinking ahead to all of her future milestones. You envision your baby's first smile, first time they roll over, when they crawl, and then walking and talking.  All of this seems to have happened so fast.  My tiny baby is now a TODDLER. Scarlett no longer lies on the floor and stares at a mobile contently.  Oh, no.  She tears through my house at lightening speed running and laughing.

Scarlett has endless energy that leaves me exhausted at the end of the day.  It takes me so long to get a good picture of her because she never sits still! I'd love to have that baby stage back for just a few hours if I could.  My house was clean at that point and everything remained unbroken and untouched by tiny hands. 

I was inspired to write this post as I watched Scarlett walk up the stairs unassisted earlier today.  It seems like she no longer needs my help as much as she used to.  Obviously she can't bathe or dress herself yet, but she can feed herself, she can hold her own sippy cup, and open her container of snacks among many other things.  Scarlett amazes me with how smart she is and I'm proud of her each and every day.  Even when I'm exhausted and have no energy at 8 pm, I know we got through another day together.  Of course she will still need me for a long time, but it's bittersweet to see how much she's grown and changed in just 18 months of life.  

Scarlett will be 2 at the end of the year.   How can almost 2 years have already gone by so fast? It boggles my mind.  You wish your child could stay little forever, but it's not possible. Her personality is silly and fun.  She can be very sweet at times and loves to give me and her dad hugs.  Animals are one of her biggest interests and she loves to point to them in her books.  She will continue to grow and develop and in just a few short years she'll be in kindergarden.  It's hard to believe.  I know at some point she'll be all grown up and move out of my house too.  I don't want to think about that.  

Being the mom of a toddler is challenging.  Your child can't express themselves the way an adult can and they throw tantrums.  I'm surprised I still have a floor in my house from the amount of times Scarlett's thrown herself down and kicked and screamed out of anger.  On the upside, there's nothing like seeing the world through your toddler's eyes.  I love when Scarlett learns something new and smiles and is so proud of herself!  It's a magical feeling for both people.

This stage of life is fleeting.  To all moms of toddlers everywhere, enjoy it while you can.  there's nothing quite like it.