The 2nd Year has Spirit

I thought that the first year of parenthood brought with it many challenges, and the second year has proved to be even more challenging. So many more gray areas and such a feeling that I am not prepared to guide my little man through this difficult stage. I am really regretting not doing baby sign language, as those small windows into my beautiful son's thoughts would be amazing and helpful.

I know I'm a good mom, and I have the confidence to say so, yet it is an unavoidable fact that my toddler experience to date consists purely of on-the-job time with Aiden. After a long night at a friend's wedding, followed by a plane flight last weekend where Aiden was 'shushed' and I was bashed verbally by an extremely rude woman, I can't help but have questions regarding my parenting philosophies and skills. Which was my mindset when I found myself wandering the book aisles at Target. The only toddler book that I found on the shelves was 'The Happiest Toddler on the Block' by Harvey Karp M.D. It claims to be a best seller so I thought I'd give it a whirl. So far, I have found it to be comforting and insightful.


I found it humorous when the author described how most toddlers can be catagorized into one of three catagories based on a few questions. The catagories are Easy, Shy, or Spirited. My initial thought before taking the test was that he was EASY! Then, I thought honestly about my beautiful baby boy while answering all of the questions and the results were tied between easy and spirited. The next paragraph then noted that if I'm unsure, put my child down in an uncrowded mall and turn away a bit. If he runs away from me to explore, my child is spirited. The writing is on the wall, the boy has spirit!*

In spite of the challenges that I have with Aiden, I have to make light of our successes. Aiden is very loving and has continued to give hugs and kisses. Some nights, I pick up the small lamb that lies in his crib and motion that the lamb is kissing Aiden good night. Today, Aiden picked up the lamb himself and kissed it before bed. What a sweet boy. Earlier, we shared lunch together at Panera Bread. Only one piece of grilled cheese on the floor. A meal of grapes, grilled cheese, and yogurt was consumed like a big boy. No mess, no fuss. Wednesday, he learned a new word 'baby' after I have showed him a picture of a baby on flash cards. Yeah, smartie pants!!!

I'm not going to punish him for having a energetic personality, I just want to help him grow into a nice, friendly, and repectful little boy. (sigh.) We will figure it out. One thing I know for sure is that I wouldn't change one thing about you, son, I love, love, love, love you.

*Disclaimer: I have not yet finished this book, nor have I had long enough to know if some of its philosophies that I am trying will work for us. This isn't an endorsement of any sort, and I'll keep the blog updated on my constant struggle to help Aiden figure out this crazy world.