Friday, September 25, 2009

Sweet Spot

Does parenting have a Sweet Spot?

If so, I think I have entered it. Terrible 2's? What is so terrible about them? Actually, Lukas is at a stage of development that is abundant with wonderful moments. Fun moments. Happy moments. Moments that warm the cockles of my heart.

No, I don't know what cockles are, but mine are toasty folks.

Could that spot occupy this age, this stage in a child's development? The stage when they can talk to you in a sweet little voice - smiling wide and giving you gems such as "I love you, daddy!" or "Sit down and play with me, daddy" all with genuine heartfelt emotion.

Before they ever even think of saying things such as "I hate you!" or "You're mean" or "I hope you die!"?

When you mean the world to them almost as much as they mean it to you?

When practically everything they do is just so darn adorable, that even those frustrating moments where you have every right to be upset, you just can't bring yourself to be?

Well, that my friends. That is the spot I find myself in right now.

And it sure is Sweet.

18 comments:

OneZenMom said...

I loved the two's. And the three's. Everything is so new and wonderful. Congratulations on appreciating it in the moment. :)

ericdbolton said...

I enjoy the moments when they're sleeping..

Sounds like i'm joking, but let me explain..

They can spend the entire day screaming, kicking, crying, fighting, yelling, time outing, throwing, not listening, talking back, not eating, not going to sleep, on and on and on..

And it frustrates the crap out of you... You just want to punch another hole in the wall..

But that time when they are asleep and you walk into their room to make sure they're covered and okay. You see them sleeping there, peacefully. Your mind goes to how big they've gotten since the night before and you want to pick them up and just squeeze them so tight because you love them so much.

And everything that pissed you off earlier in the day means nothing.

I love that feeling..

Captain Dumbass said...

It's the best time. I'd give some examples but then I'd get all mushy. Enjoy it.

Being us... said...

I agree, every kid is different. Jacob rarely throws a tantrum but I wouldn't be honest if I didn't say he occasionally didn't test his boundaries. Overall I can't complain and enjoy his personality and am glad that I don't have a horrible textbook "terrible two".

Anonymous said...

I've never been able to figure out where the cockles are either? I think anything they can dole out at this age will be nothing compared to the teen years. I"m thinking of building a man cave in the backyard and moving there when that time comes.

Playstead said...

We never had the terrible two's, ours were the terrible three's. For all of our kids.

I have a daughter that's 10 -- and let me say this: enjoy it while you can!!

Steve said...

You are so right.

As infuriating as my (2 year old) daughter can be, I just can't help but be melted by her. I also adore my son who is two years older, but there is something undeniably innocent and beautiful about being two. It's a time I will never forget with either of my children.

Anonymous said...

Add another child to the mix and you'll understand completely...

Just sayin'...

DGB said...

The two's where my favorite time so far. They were the first time that I actually thought if I could freeze the Bean in time, this would be it.

SciFi Dad said...

Awww... now go look up hubris and fill your mind with regret for publishing this. ;)

I enjoyed two and three a lot more than four so far. However, the under one game has been cool the second time around as well.

Lady Mama said...

Enjoy it! We have those moments too - it's why we so often bring out the camcorder.

Krystal said...

enjoy it and love it - not because of the terrible parts but because as they get older we tend to forget the innocence and the marvels that they once possessed.

i love that age and all those that come after it - no matter how hard they get.

A Free Man said...

Yeah, mine is good fun at this age. But since our new addition there's been a lot more whining, and clinging and crying. But he's still good fun. Most of the time.

WILLIAM said...

I recently read a study about kids behavior and how it runs in cycles. 4 good months, a 2 month transition, 4 bad months, a 2 month transition. Something like that. It sounds like you are in your good months.

Ed said...

I had a comment but now the only thing running through my head is, "Damn, what does hubris mean?"

Kori said...

So far with all four of mine, two is wonderful and three is not-so-great. In fact, I have never understood the "terrible twos" saying because two is lovely. Then three is less so, but at the end you get a lovely, funny, articulate FOUR year old; as a whole, though, it's all good.

FilmFather said...

I agree with Craig and Kori -- the two's with our boys were wonderful; it was the three's that were terrible.

I think they each realized when they hit three, "Wow, I totally forgot to do my terrible two's! Better double up this year!"

James (SeattleDad) said...

@Zen Mom - I am enjoying the moment. It is the only 2 year old stage I will get with him.

@Eric - So true. That innocence has a way of making all things ok.

@Captain - It's ok to get mushy here. I won't tell.

@Being Us - So I'm hearing the 3's can be worse. Let's hope that passes us by.

@PJ - Yeah, I want a man cave too. I'll invite you over.

@Craig - Yes, that is why I am enjoying this while I still can.

@Steve - Yes, exactly.

@MTAE - So I hear...

@Daddy Geek Boy - Perfectly put.

@Scifi - No regrets even after looking up hubris...

@Lady Mama - I always get mine out way too late...

@Krystal - I am doing my best to enjoy these years, because I know that they are special.

@ A Free Man - I'm sure it is an adjustment for him, with the little brother.

@William - It's more like 5 and 1 around here. I'll take that.

@Ed - He just does that for the reaction...

@Kori - I will brace myself for the 3's and look forward to 4.

@Film Father - You guys are getting me worried about 3...