Thoughts on my toddler...

Today was a really rough day with Declan. Lately, everyday has been pretty rough and I feel like I use the words "no" "Stop" and "don't" all day long! He is becoming more independant, not wanting to hold my hand, wanting to do things himself, refusing to take naps, and not wanting to sit in his high chair to eat...sometimes not wanting to eat at all! He is really becoming his own little person. He still amazes us at all the words he says on a day to day basis but the word "no!" is also becoming a big part of his vocabulary! The other day he was shouting "no more naps!" I admit that was cute and funny but not when he actually doesn't take a nap!

But tonight, he woke up around 11pm crying. Usually, I am working or so tired that I get annoyed at that but tonight I forgot about everything else I was doing and lifted him out of his crib and rocked him in the rocking chair. He layed his head on my shoulder and I stroked his hair. I felt bad about how impatient and frustrated I have been getting lately. So I hugged Declan a little tighter and whispered how much I loved him...then I sang him some lullabies. I realized I need to slow down, and cherish these moments...even though they can be hard sometimes, I will probably miss them someday! When Declan wants me to read a book to him for the umteenth time, I need to remember that someday he won't want me to read to him at all anymore...he will be reading to me! ...and I will miss storytime with him. As I sat there rocking my baby I thought about all the fun things to come. Taking him to Disneyland for the first time, helping him with his science project, baking cookies with him, going to movies, watching him play basketball...and so much more. And even though I look forward to all that...I don't want to rush him through this stage...although it can be tough and exhausting at times... I will just hang on to every toddler minute and enjoy it as much as I can! Even when he tells me "no more naps!!" :)