OOPSIE DOOPSIE

The first installment of First Time Mom // Things They Don’t Tell You was definitely a very accurate summary of the first year of Madeline’s life and my first year as a first time mom. It focused on the itty-bitty of it all. The very beginning. Now, we’re winding down the second year. I have no idea where that year went {AND that is one thing they DO tell you – you blink and time vanishes}. So let’s jump in! A few brand-spankin’ new things that rushed in this year …

01. All the feelings. And words.

“She was kind of emotional this morning.” A normal statement, which means she was whiny or squirting crocodile tears and was asked to go chill out on the pillows for a few minutes. I get it. I’m there everyday. Emotions.

Oh, and if they aren’t feeling everything, they are saying the equivalent. “Shut your mouth” passed through my adorable princess’ lips the other evening. My jaw dropped. This sassy girl just talked back with some fierce nasty! I was … proud … shocked and kind of nervous. Enter the beginning of word vomit.

02. Potty training is a sport, apparently.

Once she started to show interest, potty training was in full swing … at daycare. I know, I know. It should have been in full swing at our house too, and it eventually did get to that point, but it took time on the home front. It may sound like an excuse, but we’re busy folks. We didn’t have the luxury of doing the magical “potty training in 3 day” event. I wish.  Next best thing? Strategy. The game plan included stocking up on underwear, saying good-bye to pull-ups and hello to accidents. We followed a schedule, had distractions or “activities” during a sitting and rewards for sitting and going. Boom! Potty trained! Days are composed of wins and loses, but we always remember the strategy. And, consequently, discuss every win and loss at the end of the day. We assess the team’s weaknesses and strengths. It’s CRAZY how much we are STILL talking about bathroom habits (and how often and when and where). And we’re not fazed by it. Not one bit. Shit does not get old!

03. Another sport: getting dressed in the morning.

STRATEGY NEEDED. My girl LOVES dresses. LOVES. If I even want to think about getting her into anything else the following morning, the planning starts the night before by planting the seed of something else. In the end, does it matter? No. She’ll wear what she feels most comfortable in that day. Again, wins and loses. My girl always wins.

04. Other kids have really neat parents.

I mean, who else can understand the supposed daycare nap schedule that every toddler obeys during the week or the running tally of underwear that is tossed each week because we are NOT bringing THAT home? Our kids hang out every day for 7+ hours a day five days a week, making the most ridiculous memories and sharing the best stories. We know a lot about the kids  … and saying hi to those kids’ parents in the morning or evening and tossing a knowing smile is another level of comfort.

05. Kids birthday parties.

Survival tips here. Hint: chill out – they’re a blast.

06. Transitioning from a diaper bag to MEGA bag.

This is just a joke. We are in that stage where Mads is not a diaper wearer, but she’s still a toddler. Toddler means basically a sour patch kid. The result: mega mom bag – the huge “tote” that has EVERYTHING. Because you just don’t know. You’ve stopped trying to predict and just now prepare for Armageddon. I mean, it’s just easier to think that way. Snacks, check. Undies, check. Socks, check. Wet Ones, check. Itch cream, check. Random shiny object that captures attention for 2 minutes, check. List goes on, as you know.

07. Tub Toys. You’ll have a love/hate relationship.

Our girl baths in our tub. I’m okay with this. It’s definitely easier, especially when we are winding down for the night, getting in extra cuddles and catching up on chores. However, I never realized how high-maintenance a toddler can be when it comes to tub toys. I’m laughing as I type this because toddlers are high-maintenance. HELLO. The variety and shapes and colors. You just don’t know true love until you step on Ariel or legos before your 5 a.m. shower… unconditional. true. love.

We’ve recently entered the world of bath crayons. What am I thinking? Anyway, she loves it. And so does my husband. Surprise notes written on the shower wall in the morning AFTER stepping on the toys makes the sting fleeting … or I suppose more bearable, I guess …? 🙂 Worth it.

08. Picky eater vs. eat anything/everything.

In short, I’ve learned to not force anything when it comes to meals. I look at it this way – it’s our job as parents to provide well-balanced, nutritious meals for our babies. They learn by repetition and what they are exposed to, so we offer a few healthy choices at mealtime, and she decides what she would like. Sometimes she eats like a horse and sometimes … sometimes we’re sitting there an additional twenty minutes because it took her that long to realize this was in fact a meal and that’s all she’ll have until snack or next meal.

I choose to not fight this fight. I’d rather argue over which Tinker Bell movie we will watch, because THAT is a real topic worth debating.

09. Google is your best friend.

It knows all of your secrets.

10. Sibling Talk ALL THE TIME

When you’re a one child toting mama, the only people you have to answer to about the possibility of baby #2 are family and close friends. Enter stage right: the first child that is now a toddler. A toddler that can form sentences and have emotional opinions on what direction the wind blows. Yes, that toddler.  Another person asking about #2. A much more determined person. Fierce. She already picked the name and gender. Just saying. {And since you’re wondering, because I know you are, yes, #2 is on our mind.}

That’s a wrap … for now …

So, what do you think, mamas? What else can we add to this list?

linking up with jennifer, tiffany and emily