What a toddler thinks in 5 sentences

1. The only food groups are: chocolate, sugar filled, handcrafted and messy!

Many days the struggles are over what they WILL eat. If it's chocolate, full of sugar their in. If it's healthy and promotes growth and well being, their out! Please avoid all green items, thank you. 

2. Naps are for exhausted grown ups!

They run full tilt, never slow down. Their little minds soaking up everything. But, ask them to slow down, lie down and regroup and as you fight to keep your eyes open because you know naptime is the only time you will get as shower that is hot and long seems like the most ridiculous fight. However, it happens every day and most days you fall asleep too! A nighttime shower is the best answer here.

3. Learning independence is a must.

"I can do it mysel!" Is muttered repeatedly in our home. She is bound and determined to be such a big girl. Problem is when your a toddler, this phrase is immediately followed by "WAAHHHH, I CANT DO IT! ITS BROKEN!" Seriously, for every new thing she tries her patience factor expects immediate accomplish.  The whining is loud, piercing and as the day drags on, annoying. I'm sure our neighbors think we intentionally torture her. But, anyone with toddlers would quickly dismiss this thought. 

4. They want to play, just not alone...EVER!

"Come on, let's play!" It sounds so cute and inviting the first thousand times. My question is, how many brain cells am I losing playing duck duck goose with the leftover hundreds of  beanie babies her wonderful Aunt & Uncle managed to leave here?

5. Life is wonderful, beautiful and they love you with ALL their hearts, forever & ever, and SOOO MUCH!

The Grand Princess came unexpectedly, but gracefully and when she did I melted. The moment we touched and I held her close it was all over.

Now as a toddler, we have those same days....in between the terrible two's and soon approaching tricky three days. I have always known that I loved her and her me. We have been each other's support and bestie through some quite traumatic times. I'm teaching her all the things I never had time to teach my kids because I was working. She knows what to expect when she's here. There structure and schedules as well as manners, respect, expectations and consequences when we fall out of line. These things, give her a sense of accomplishment, the feeling of unconditional love, belonging.  Good or trying toddler days we wouldn't have it any other way.