If you don’t know this about me by now… I’m a lazy blogger. Christmas and the new year has come and gone and no posts from me. Life is going by way too quickly to waste a second of it blogging.
That being said…here I am…blogging. Lol. Oh the irony. Life really has been going by at warp speed. While there are struggles and aggravations I’d really love to wish away, my babies are becoming less like babies and more like boys every day. It’s bittersweet to say the least.
We’ve recently had some major battles of the will with our almost 4 year old Micah. Even the smallest tasks like putting on his shoes and socks, changing into pj’s, or eating at the table had become knock-down-drag-outs and always ending in tears. I lost my patience (ahem, temper) so many times which only escalated the decibel of his screaming and length of crying fit. Go me. Mom of the year.
To top it all off, Micah developed a craft for the divide and conquer technique. Oh yes. That little turd would come to me, then go to Daddy (or vice versa) until he either got what he wanted or Greg and I were arguing because I said no, you said yes. Blind-sighted by a 3 year old. We are nitwits.
Sadly after months of these feuds, Greg and I finally had an epiphany mid hollering match argument (honestly, I yell. Greg does not…which only makes me yell louder). Our epiphany was this: have we ever had a real conversation about how to discipline this child? Oy. Nitwits.
Now that the old man and I are on the same page and some ground rules have been laid, our Micah has returned to homeostasis. He woke up one day and was again the sweet, thoughtful, funny, incredible big brother, and poor unfortunate first child. Maybe there is some truth to what they say about kids thriving when they have clear boundaries, routines, and expectations. Go figure.
And then….there is Tristan.
Oh this child. We are still waiting for the epiphany moment with this one. Desperate, we would settle for a clue. Sigh.
T is such a different child in so many extraordinary ways. He is still living up to his nickname “Bug” because this boy loves to hover close be all up in your personal space snuggle. Yes, we are still co-sleeping together. His new favorite position is to cram his body as close as physically possible into my back and bury his face in the back of my neck. So sweet. Oh but he snores…and cries out if I so much as flinch…and wiggles…and digs…a lot. Yes, it’s so very sweet indeed. Friggin’ precious.
He is unfortunately still not talking. It is borderline worrisome at this point, but this child has always been on his own timeline so…whatever. While praying for him to speak is conflicting, I’m sure it is for the best (I just know in all God’s humor when this kid decides to talk he may never shut up). He has his own way of communicating with grunts and moans, pointing, dragging us around to show us what he wants, and – when all else fail – throwing crying fits while wallowing on the floor. Oh he is quite dramatic. He just may win an Oscar one day.
Now that Greg and I have joined forces and are batting for the same team, these boys have whipped into shape. Of course, they still enjoy a battle or two just to test the waters. We have enjoyed seeing them play together and hearing little giggles from their playroom. We have enjoyed the occasional adult conversation and watching shows that don’t air on NickJr or Sprout. Greg and I are enjoying our delusion that we have conquered yet another hurdle of toddlerhood. Its kind they let us think we’ve outsmarted them.
When faced with challenges in toddlerhood, complain, cry, pray. Probably shouldn’t go in that order but, for me, it does. There is something about bowing low before God that puts things in perspective for me. After all my tantrums the only thing that can restore order is my Father. He is consistent, unfailing, and gracious. From His arms, I can see that the quiet strength that calms my storm is the same quiet strength our kids need from us. The grace and forgiveness that brings me to repentance and transforms my heart is the same grace and forgiveness my boys long to receive. Greg and I, we’ve been missing the mark. God forgive us. We took our eyes off Jesus and these little bundles of life pounded us flat as pancakes.
Psalm 18:32 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure.
Psalm 29:11 The Lord gives strength to his people; the Lord blesses his people with peace.
Psalm 46:1 God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Jennifer Smith at http://unearthedphotography.com/
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