Being 2! Let me do it!

How two seems to be an age when things REALLY matter! Emily found out she could do things that she maybe couldn't two months ago. On our recent trip this summer Emily figured out how to climb a vertical wall! OK, you may think that is a little extreme, but she was at a play structure made for kids. I did not say for two year olds though. She was so excited when she reached the top, I don't think she knew what to do with herself. Then of course the swing! We had to go on the "BIG GIRL SWING", it was just her mood at that time.










There was also the goose incident were Emily sat down on the grass to have a talk, well you can see it was an one sided conversation. How do you speak goose anyway?? squawk, squawk? Anyway, Emily decided that turning away by doing the pout, would solve the no talking issue. I wish that would work at home! Hey Emily, mom is turned and arms crossed, NO TALKING! Ah, no! Your right she would probably cry at that point.

Time for a game of duck, duck, goose I guess. How does it work again? Pat each other on the head and then chase each other around in a circle. Isn't that what dogs are good for? Pat them on their head and then watch them chase their tail. Our dog luckily does not do that! Emily loves to feed Abby in the morning, in fact if she does not get to take the cup of food and put in the bowl she yells, "no! let me do it!" Oh yah, we are independent now! Having to tell her sometimes that mommy would like to feed the dog - well, never mind...You do it Emily! I am so happy to have my little helper, independent child, and fun loving sweetheart. If there was a manual on how to raise a two year old, it would say. #1, ok, you can do it! #2, ok, you can do it! #3, ok, now let me help you do it!

Determination - On the Move

Today was the first time I saw Dillon so determined. He headed to the stairs with a huge smile on his face. Only moments later did he master the climb. Two steps and his world changed forever. I can only imagine what he was feeling like in his little 9 month old body. I was so proud myself. I then watched as he figured out how to sit on the step like his big sister Emily (who is 21 months old.) Dillon could not contain himself, he was so excited he stood up and tried to walk. Right then it was over!! Yes, his excitement turned into rug burn of the chin... Owe! That hurts! He recovered well with the cheering of his sister and mommy saying," Wow!!! Dillon you took your first step!!" I must say with all the energy he expended, he went back for more. How is it when we were put up to a challenge as a child we were so determined. But as we get older it becomes easier to quit and look the other way. I know that's not the case for everyone of course. I am looking at it as a challenge for myself to not let things hinder me from reaching whatever is put in front of me, even if it is only two steps to get to get there. May we all be as determined as a child is, it is only the natural thing to do.