We really do!
But Max... let's talk about being 2.
Even though you are 2, it does not mean you can always have what you want when you want it. Okay? Okay.
Even though you are 2, you are not allowed to push buttons on the computer. Okay? Okay.
We only write on paper. I repeat - we only write on paper.... not on walls, socks, sippy cups, desks, skin, clothes, electrical sockets... only on paper! I think I have a room 2-year-old-proofed until I leave Max to take the supposed NAP... which really didn't happen... as you can see.
We don't push, spit, or scream.We share toys in nursery and at home. Okay? Okay.
We read books. We do not tear all the flaps off every single page.
We drink water. We do not get a mouthful and spit it out on our shirt, the table, the board book. Please just swallow it.
We do not eat anything that isn't food. You've got to stop eating erasers off the mechanical pencils. They go straight through ya boy. And while we're on the topic of diapers, you've got to stop seeking out the unpopped popcorn kernels at the bottom on the bowl. Enough said.
Now Max, we love so much about you.
We love that you yell "bye" over and over and over again with all the gusto you have.
We love that when you're happy... you're really, really happy... your smile says it all.
We love when you say, "yeah?" like it's a question even though you're making a statement.
We love your kisses and loveys.
We love that you're learning to say more words - even giraffe - that sounds nothing like giraffe.
We love when you roar like a lion.
We love that you think you're playing the wii if you can hold a remote.
We love that the 3 songs you request at bed are Sunbeam, Pop (Popcorn Popping), and "Scha" (I hope they call me on a Mission).
We love that you love to hide under the covers.
We love that bathtime = happy time in your world.
We love when you eat a big meal whether it's waffles for breakfast or noodles and beans for dinner. A full tummy makes for a happier Max.
We love that you can finally play with playdough and not eat it.
We love that you live life at full-speed ... and then some. (mom just hopes she can keep up with you)
How could we not love a kid who comes to mom with the apron around his neck saying, "Lookie". And then you stayed in the kitchen and helped (meaning you mashed the olives onto the floor with the chopsticks). But you sure had fun being a "helper".
I found these pictures on the camera today ... taken by Max while I was feeding Tru upstairs.
Honestly, today was a pretty good day for Max...Maybe it was because Hannah and Abe were home from school on holiday. Hannah played in the pantry with Max. I heard her teaching him 'Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes.' He must have been having fun because he wouldn't let her out. She also helped him with playdough while I was making bread. Max likes Hannah.
Maybe it was because he sat on my lap and we watched a movie together. It was a baby einstein and we repeated all the animal names over and over. We roared like lions. I was amazed that he sat so long in one place. He must have needed a lovey.
Maybe it was because I saw the good in the wee little cute person he is. Sometimes I realize he just needs my time, attention, and love.
Sometimes when I'm flustered by the mischievousness of my children I think of the song, "Let them be Little" by Billy Dean:
So let them be little,And then it reminds me to be a little more patient. They are still learning.
'Cause they're only that way for a while.
Give 'em hope, give them praise,
Give them love every day.
Let 'em cry, let 'em giggle,
Let 'em sleep in the middle,
Oh, but let them be little.
I am reminded to give gentle encouragement and love instead of loud hollering words.
And it reminds me to have fun with my kids instead of just putting a movie on all day long.
We do what we can to survive, but today I'm reminded to love a little more... even a boy at that magical (monstrous) age of 2.
7 comments:
Max sounds SOOOO much like my little Micah--yet I don't think it's just a normal 2 year old thing. He is 2 year old 10 times magnified from the 3 before him. It's possible we just forget what they are like, but Trav and I are pretty sure he tops the cake, and is so adorable and lovable and with seemingly pure and helpful intentions. I love the way to write it...
Oh the 2 year olds. Jasper pulled his step stool up to the bathroom sink downstairs and was running water over a comb,a hair pick (hello 1990) and a Leap Pad cars board book.
Ummmm....books do not go in the sink. Since it was a board book it has recovered but I was sure the electronic coding or whatever makes the Tag pen work would broken, but it miraculously still works.
The pages swelled with water and the book it twice as thick as the others. Oh Jasper!
That is so funny and it is nice to hear about other two year olds right now. Today I cleaned off blinds, windows, carpet and toys that had marker allll over them. Oh what joy. Thank goodness they are so dang cute or who knows what we would do. :)
I love this post Heath. So funny. Wow, the life of a mother with a 2 year old! I love that you sat on the couch with him to watch Baby Einstein with him. And love that song Let them be little. Brenner is hot on Max's heels - the two of them together would be quite the little combo and oh the mischief! :) Love you and your cute Max!
I needed to read this today. My frustrations with my 2 year olds was more than it should have been today. If I would just stop and be "with" them it wouldn't be so bad. Today was a day of trying to accomplish. That doesn't work well with 2 year olds. It also helps me see that all of their mischief is totally typical. We do everything you described. :) Thank you!! You are amazing!
You know - I don't think my first two were as crazy as this third, but maybe it is because I am not 24/7 on him, but I have to admit we are missing all of our erasers on our pencils as well. I have crayon drawings on my walls, and I have to hide the soap because it ends up everywhere with him. I love these little characters! I hate to see what #4s get away with.
Heather! Another laugher, and then crier, and laugher too!-- As I've tried to clean purple marker out of Emi's ear, and tell her that when she sticks her hands in the toilet they are not "clean"! Thanks for the reminder that they don't stay little long~she's already growing up too fast! We need to chat more, and visit more, and give each other breaks more, take advantage of how close we are!
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