Terrible 2

As my little bundle of joy sleeps beside me, its such a contrast from how she is when she is awake and about.

She as bloomed into an intelligent, expressive and malambing little girl.  She loves to hug and kiss me on several occasions each day.  Although she loves climbing on top of me and my pregnant belly while lying down, its a moment I wish would go on forever.  I couldn't ask for anything more.

Her words are insightful and you know there really is a thought process behind it.  She keeps asking, "Mommy, what's this?"  My dad told me that's how I was growing up, too.  Except mine would go: "Daddy, what's that?" My dad would reply, "That's a carabao, Langga." "WHY???"  Hahaha!  Try to answer that if you can!

I welcome Dani's inquisitiveness.  She learns and catches on quickly and we need to keep up.  But her boredom leads her to be a bit too attached to the tv, ipad or iphone, which I dread and tried my best to avoid.  Its worse now and she knows how to throw a fit.  Hence, I have crossed over to the terrible 2 territory.  But I don't want to consider it "terrible".  It is up to us how we perceive it.  We'd rather view it as a challenge that can be overcome.  Its not supposed to be outgrown.

I am blessed to have a wonderful husband.  Seeing him deal with Dani melts my heart.  I see him struggling and learning.  So we do so together.  Its a joint effort.  He has become a wonderful father and partner for us.  Couldn't imagine someone else in his shoes.  God is amazing in times like these and in so many levels.

The fits can be about the ipad, iphone, pacifier (still have to find a way to get her to stop using this as a security object) and her blanket.  its usually these same objects every time.

Waiting is still abstract to her.  But we emphasize it whenever it comes up.  She is stubborn and relentless.  Her stomping and sobbing routine is getting more precise, too.

We explain as much as we can when we can.  Spanking doesn't work with her.  The corner timeout is her Achiles Heel at the moment.  I also urger her to think and pray about her behavior afterwards.  It still needs to sink in.  But we need it done early.

Its a love that cannot be measured.  Its all worth it.  With another one coming soon, our hands our pretty full.

I will say to the Lord, "He is my refuge and my fortress, my God in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:2)