The New Toddler Days

It was the most surreal feeling. I had just fallen asleep in bed for a nap when I heard quick thumping foot steps coming down the hall followed by a loud "Mommy!" A joyous toddler comes running into the room waking me up. I knew what was happening, but it took me a few seconds to accept that it was not a dream...my little baby boy just climbed out of his crib when he decided he didn't want to take a nap.

The afternoon followed was quite a struggle for me. I was actually annoyed with my adorable son, who was so proud of himself for this latest milestone. I just kept thinking "I'm not ready for this." And the next day things got even more interesting. Oliver now tests to see how far he can get away from me, while he smiles and gets farther away. He kept going until he stopped by two chairs near an exit. He said he wanted to sit because he is tired. He actually said those words, but it was like watching a kid trying to get out of being in trouble.

Another time when I played drumming videos for him from YouTube, I asked him to help me clean up the toys. He responded "I'm doing this." with his finger pointing to the computer.

I know the terrible twos is only a phase, and I guess I should appreciate the fact that he hasn't had any tantrums over things. Mostly he laughs and thinks everything is a joke and do things on purpose to see what he can get away with. Or if he doesn't like it, he uses the phrase "I'm sad." or "I'm done." which he knows that's how he can get his way. I have learned to pick my battles. I do realize it's not easy trying to outsmart a toddler.

This morning I asked him to demonstrate how he climbed out of the crib. I just wanted to make sure he doesn't hurt himself before we get his bed converted. He picked up my tone that it was not something I was happy with, and did not fall for my "trap." Part of me is concerned he might hurt himself (We have placed a rug underneath months ago just in case this happened). Another part of me actually kind of likes waking up to see his little face while I'm still in bed. We'll have to see what happens tomorrow.