Hey guys! I hope you’re having a good week so far – Halloween has thrown us off a little bit but we’re excited for a new month, new goals and the holiday grind. It really seems nuts that Christmas is only a few months away and we’re soaking in the last bit of “fall” before the snow flies. I’ve got fall in quotes because in Wisconsin our weather typically goes from 80 to 20 in a week and if we get any glorious 50-60 degree days we’re really lucky. I think it’s a balmy 40 degrees outside right now (eye roll).
Anyway, I’m coming to you with a little bit of a toddler update, by way of happy things AND some complaining – sorry in advance. Here’s what I mean… This time right now – between 1.5 and 2 years has been my very favorite and at the same time, the most trying for me as a mom so far.
When I took Dane to his 18 month checkup, his pediatrician said that we would be shocked in the development we’d see over the next 6 months time. I kind of brushed that off because I am literally in amazement every day by what our kiddo learns and does, but wow was she right. We’ve been completely blown away by how much he talks, how opinionated/spirited he is and what a sweet, empathetic little boy he’s becoming. Sounds like a dream, right? Well honestly a lot of the time it is, but there are also a LOT of times during the day and night that are incredibly exhausting and frustrating. You know I always keep it real on this blog so here’s the scoop.
In the spirit of Halloween, I will liken what’s going on to a Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde situation. Most people don’t believe me when I say that but it’s true.
Pickiest eater vs Little Piggie
We’re in a funny stage with food right now. Dane eats basically everything we eat so we’ve been enjoying family dinners together and it’s so awesome to have that quality time. Another great perk is that it keeps Casey and I on track with our meal planning and healthier eating as well. We love watching D master utensils and communicate with us on what he thinks is yummy and what he gives the side-eye. The only problem is, Dane is showing these picky tendencies when it comes to what he actually eats. And it’s not like he has his favorite things he always eats (except cheese… that is ALWAYS acceptable- true WI boy!) One day he loves a food and then next day he chants “no like” on repeat… it seems like a never ending struggle to convince him to try a food that we know he likes. Dinners seem to be an adventure every night, that’s for sure.
Nighttime
Serious question: When do kids realize that sleep is the BEST thing? Why they fight it, I will never understand. When do kids sleep through the night? Ours started a lonnng time ago but recently it’s been not so awesome. For the past few months, probably 3 or so times a week Dane wakes up in the night. Some nights he settles himself and it’s no big deal – but some nights he can’t and up the stairs we climb. When we do, there are nights when it’s a 5-10 minute ordeal and he settles right back into sleep but others he can’t be calmed. Especially by me. If you haven’t read it – I wrote this blog post about how hard it is to deal with the emotions of a child “picking” one parent over another. This is still something I struggle with almost every single day. I try to tell myself it’s a phase or appreciate the small chances we have to bond but it’s honestly really hard. Do any other moms struggle with this? I feel like I can’t be alone…
Speaking of emotions…
We LOVE that Dane can communicate pretty much everything with us now, he’s forming sentences and shows empathy towards people and the characters in books and movies. He’s inquisitive and curious about everything, mimics what we say (including some choice 4-letter words oops), and knows what he wants. This is perhaps the hardest thing for us right now. Dane will flip flop from a happy squealing toddler to a whining, inconsolable wild man in no time flat. We have to be very careful about what we say, what snacks we have around the house and what movies are within sight because inevitably he will want to eat popsicles and pretzels for dinner and have Finding Dory or Ice Age on the tv at all times. Finding the tight-rope balance between our sweet boy and the mini little jerk is a delicate one.
Next blog post I promise will be more upbeat 🙂 Till next time, xo
Staying Martha 