Thursday, May 31, 2012

Two.

I have had so many people ask me how having two children has been. Two. It's about to kill me. But not the number of children, the age.

Eddie and I have had a tough couple of days. We've been frustrated with James and his behavior and we've been downright discouraged when he doesn't listen and obey. I keep telling him that his only job in life right now is to listen and obey and he'll start talking about something else. Clearly, I'm making a great impression. The last two weeks (or more) have really just worn us out and done us in. We laid in bed last night and I finally said what was on my mind. We've been trying to change HIM, but we probably just really need to take a look at ourselves and how we're handling him and change THAT. :(



I had a very humbling moment the other day when, as James threw chewed-up grapes on my kitchen floor AGAIN, I said (in a very frustrated tone), "James, how old are you????" and he answered, "I'm two, Mommy." And I kid you not, I almost said, "Well, you need to act older." How? How does he KNOW how to act older? I'm frustrated with the typical two-year-old behaviors and I need to get over myself. (That is not to say that he should get away with misbehavior, but I need to take a good, long look at my frustrations and whether or not they're just normal things. They are.)

Yesterday was especially trying. Our swimming lessons were canceled so I took the boys for a run in the stroller instead. By 11 AM we had eaten breakfast, done a load of laundry, run two miles, and I had showered and gotten ready. Sounds like a great morning, right? Unfortunately, being that productive by 11 AM usually signals trouble. Why? Because then we're sitting there going, "Okay, now what?" and James usually shows me what.

I left James in my room to play on the iPad while I fed Will in the den. BAD IDEA. I thought we'd sort of gotten to the point where I could leave him alone for a bit and that is just not so. He is getting into everything these days. More so now than a year ago even. I know he's bored not being in school, but good heavens! Lately, he's tried to climb to the top of his bookshelf, he's destroyed a brand-new box of band-aids, taken apart a handful of tampons (just keeping it real on here...), played with his EPI-PEN, and that's just to name a few. 



In addition to all of that, yesterday I found him brushing his teeth in his bathroom...his POOP covered bathroom. Apparently, he'd needed to potty but instead of telling me he was going, he just did it...and then slid off the seat. I'll spare you the details. Needless to say, everything was Clorox-ed and because he was playing with his toothbrush, that's now in the dishwasher. *sigh*


If we don't keep busy, he is in trouble. I left swimming lessons this morning and went directly to Target. Not because we needed anything, but because he thrives on getting out and I can buckle him into a cart and keep him occupied for as long as Will allows.


He keeps me on my toes, for sure. He is so, so smart and he remembers everything. I think that's what constantly causes me to think he should be acting older. But the reality is that he's still just two. He's only had tw0-and-a-half years on this earth to learn things. And two is not old enough to be expected to act like an adult. Smart little stinker wears me out.

I am well aware that we will look back on lots of this and laugh. And honestly, that's the only reason that I'm even writing it all down. Because while I am worn slap out by the end of the day, I don't want to forget. And as much as I want to have fun and not have to clean up all of the messes, I also don't want it to all go so quickly. We may not have it all figured out, but I sure to love the people with whom I'm figuring it out.

But it would also be nice to know I'm not alone in this. I'm not, right?

4 comments:

Anna Catherine said...

Whew! That little boy wears me out when I'm with him for an afternoon! Lance and I left your house on Sunday and I told him I wasn't sure how y'all did it, because it kind of overwhelmes me to hang out with him for one day! He is SUPER smart and I see how that makes it difficult for you, but he is also SUPER funny! I'm sure as Will gets more active, James won't count on you so much for entertainment and the two of them will be able to interact more.

Casey said...

right there with you. seriously, read loving the little years. it is very encouraging and talks about what you said here--so much of it is our attitudes and perspectives.

Melissa said...

Totally not alone!! I am right there in the trenches with you, except I've got a 3.5 yr old and an almost 2 year old. So pretty much what one gets into, the other does too!! I really try to keep my emotions in check when dealing with them and trying to remember they are only almost 4 and 2, but when everything I say goes in one ear and out the other (at least that's how I feel), I feel so defeated and frustrated!! And let's not talk about obeying, because when they are together- which is 99% of the time- they dont do it and it's driving me CRAZY!!! So no- you are definitely NOT alone!! I will be praying for you! Have a good weekend!!

Meggie said...

You aren't alone. All preschoolers/toddlers go through these little phases. We've definitely had our share. After I read the parenting book I'm planning to purchase I'll let you know if I learn anything wonderful and life changing. =) I just try my best to remember that the days are long but the years are short and before we know it our little guys won't be so little anymore. Thankful for cyber friends to share the journey with!