My little angel turned 14 months the other day – and I’d like to pause for a moment and reflect on all that has transpired since we celebrated turning one.
It seems as if it were five minutes ago that my daughter was born, and about two minutes since the days of cradling her in my arms and watching her sleep peacefully in her swing.
The one-year mark came about so quickly that I almost forgot to take a pause and reflect on all the changes that have come about since my daughter propelled herself out of infancy and into another stratosphere of growing, learning, loving … and exerting her toddler independence.
It’s true – I have loved motherhood more deeply than I have ever imagined. I have cherished each moment, become infatuated with each milestone and smile and learning experience. But if I had to sum up my feelings about toddler life, a stage I know I have only just recently entered, the expression would be:
“Be careful!”
But really – this whole time since someone sent the memo to my daughter that she has passed the innocent, cooperative, infant stage and started wreaking havoc on my home and the rate at which my hair turns gray, has felt like someone hit the target on the dunk tank – and I was the one on the plank.
Sure, I knew that once this princess was on two feet I’d need a bit a more energy.
Of course, I was aware of the rapidly-fluctuating emotions.
5 Things Your Toddler Needs You to Know
No, I had no clue, my home would become Ground Zero for my toddler tornado and I would need to let go of my anxieties and let my daughter learn through play – and her mistakes. But it has, so here I am, in my unmade bed covered in baby socks and puzzle pieces telling you all about it.
So yes, while she’s smart (she already says over 10 words!), engaging (she smiles at, says “Hi!” to, and waves at everyone she sees), and extremely loving (the hugs are strong, intentional, and filled with gratitude) – she is inevitably, a toddler on a mission.
Here is what is really going on in this toddler world of mine, and all of the toddler homes around you – quite possibly with details no one else is sharing:
My Toilets Are Now Entertainment...
Yes, we put on toilet locks once we discovered our daughter’s penchant for splashing toilet water about, but fear not, she’s figured them out. She not only sticks her hands in there, she’ll throw anything in her sight into the bowl, including, but not limited to, expensive shampoos, makeup brushes, shoes, and an entire trashcan.
My Beautiful Coffee Tables and Couches Are Now a Jungle Gym...
So is my bed, my dining chairs, and the dryer. Now that she’s walking more steadily, climbing has become her party trick. I turn my back for 20 seconds only to find she’s made her way to the top of the coffee table, TV remotes in hand, and ready to cause serious harm. She’ll leverage a dining chair and battle her way to the top of the dining room table, knocking over flower vases and stopping my heart.
My couches need cleaning, since these are her new trampolines, my bed has led to the need for multiple ice packs, and taking clothes out of the dryer turns into an all-out battle to try and remove chickadee from inside the machine.
Constructive Play for Toddlers
Food is the Enemy...
And so is the high chair. I have been kicked in my stomach, a boob, and my lip trying to prevent this little monster from weaseling her way out of the chair – which is so shocking considering how much she loved this thing only 3 months ago.
All food that I try to feed her ends up on the floor or in my hair, since we’re currently on a quest to feed ourselves. I waste countless hours and endless amounts of money on food she’ll eat one day but not the next, and my dog has gained 15 pounds.
Car Rides Are Also the Enemy...
Which stinks considering this used to be a time of peace and quiet, back when each car ride produced the miracle of sleep and a break for me to answer calls, listen to voicemails, or listen to anything other than Elmo.
Yep, you guessed it - this is no longer the case. Cue Elmo’s songs and bring along a baggie full of goldfish because this is going to be one heck of a ride.
Independence is Her Middle Name...
If she can’t do it herself, she’s not doing it at all. This goes for much more than just meal time. This goes for putting shoes on and taking them off, washing her hair in the tub, pushing elevator buttons, removing diapers, and oh so much more.
I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Yes, with all of this, my very-involved job and mamapreneur goals, and a husband and dog to care for, I am exhausted. Yes, I find myself wondering what I did with all my free time when this kid spent 90% of her days on a tummy time mat staring at the ceiling and kicking her feet.
But yes, with every “Mama!!!!!,” big strong hug, hilarious kiss on the cheek/mouth/arm, and giggle that touches my soul, it is all so, so worth it.
My toddler boss is my best friend, and I too, am learning everyday right along with her – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.