Reality

Have you ever just had one of those days? You know the type of day I am talking about. One of those days where you don't know whether to laugh or to cry. The days when nap time seems like an eternity away. The days when you are not sure you will have any hair left come bedtime. It seems that those days come frequently during the toddler season and for me, today just happens to be one of those days.

I knew it was going to be one of those days when I had a laundry list of things the toddler had done or hadn't done long before 9:30am. Before 9:30 this morning the toddler had destroyed one of our dining room chairs (I am still not sure how this happened), removed her diaper twice, refused to get dressed, pinched the fire out of me, and threw her fair share of temper tantrums. Now before you start judging or lecturing me on discipline - This is my blog and this is my outlet. So if you have something critical to say - DON'T!

Toddlerhood is hard. On both the toddler and the parent. Currently, my toddler is in her room screaming at the top of her lungs because she does not want to take a nap. She is screaming MOMMY, MOMMY, MOMMY, PARK, PARK, PARK loudly enough that I am sure everyone who lives in our condo building can hear her. The funny thing is I tried to take her to the park this morning. She was adamant that she was NOT going. Now, it is time to take a nap and for the past 12 minutes she has been crying and screaming for me to take her to the park.

This is reality folks! I have several friends (many of you read this blog) who have toddlers and I am certain that we have ALL had days like this. Unfortunately there are too many other moms out there who are afraid to admit that there are days like the one I am describing. It is those moms who make the rest of us feel like we are doing something wrong. Don't get me wrong there are plenty of days when I feel like I am doing this parenting thing all wrong but for the most part I know that I am doing something right at least part of the time.

So to all you moms of toddlers - stay the course! I say this to you as much as to myself. Enjoy the good times, the precious moments and the silence of your sleeping toddler and when a day like the one I am experiencing shows up - turn the music up really loud to (drown out the screaming toddler (just kidding - I did not do this)) and dance!

I love my little spit-fire. Even on days like today!

P.S. The screaming stopped after 13 minutes and I just scooped her up from the floor where she was sleeping soundly and tucked her into bed. Ahhhh, the silence of nap time!