... a Walk in the Park

It's true that some days can flow by so naturally that the challenges of motherhood seem to disappear. Other days, however, it seems that a raging monster has been unleashed turning my sweet little pumpkin into a roaring tyrannosaurus rex.

BabyK has technically been a toddler for a few months now, but I have to admit; the path ahead is looking a little more challenging. Like any parent will tell you, it all starts with the word "no". Don't think you can escape it. I did. I had come up with a brilliant plan that we would use the word "stop" instead. Surely, this was a revolutionary idea that would solve all my problems. Of course my rose coloured glasses were shattered when a friend of mine shared that she too had this plan- with no success.

As surely as the sun does rise, our BabyK has replaced "momma" with "no" on her all time favourite words list ("Dadda" is still up there for anyone wondering). Not only will she say it loud and proud, she even has hand actions for it too. Her stop hand extends straight out, her scrunched nose goes straight up and her little arm waves back and forth like a 60's back up dancer. I like to call it "the window washer".

For all the frustration I've found in trying to remain calm and patient, I have come to appreciate her point of view. It must be hard to live in a world where no one seems to understand you. I'm convinced that I would make an excellent contestant for a game of "20 Questions" as I'm constantly guessing what it is she is pointing to, demanding or screaming at. Unfortunately, this is not much of a consolation prize for either of us when the toddler breaks out into another meltdown. There's not much I can do at this point but take the knee and try to see things at her level.

When BabyK sees her daddy's sandwich and decides it must taste better than hers, I know that her tears will pass. When my head aches from her piercing cry I know that one day she will understand the reason why she wasn't allowed to cut the vegetables. For now she is still small enough that her tantrums do not cause (much) physical harm to herself or the house and I am still able to direct her behavior in a way that is more constructive.

As always, some days are good, some days are bad. God has always been patient with me; walking alongside me and meeting me where I am at. I want to do the same for BabyK. Although I may not always understand her, God does. He knows just what she needs and how to guide her in discovering the world before her. I think we should probably stick together; for survival.

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Isaiah 40:31

"But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint."