Cliche

Everyone says, "enjoy it now, because they grow up so fast." It's true, but it's also true that sometimes as a parent you wish it would just pick up the pace and be over with. I am not too proud to admit that there were times when I wish my kids would just grow up! That being said, I am far enough into it now to understand the wisdom in the statement. And although it's horribly cliche to say so, I completely agree.

I was just finishing up my daughters baby book (it goes up through the 3rd birthday) and I realized I never ordered the video montage I made of her first year http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=1c9c6d75b8582ccba85fd2&skin_id=0&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=email . As I went to order a copy I gave it another look.

I couldn't believe that the baby looking back at me was my Claire! I know it sounds sentimental, probably mostly because it is, but I can hardly believe how she's grown. I think parents get so caught up in the daily struggles they forget to remember all the fabulous little things their once babies used to do.

There is something magical about having this realization now. I have a six month old who is changing every day and I hope not to take it so much for granted.

I guess there is something to be said for listening to the older generation - but that doesn't mean when grandma comes over that I'm going to let them stay up until midnight just because, "they don't seem tired".

All under self control

People who know me know I'm independent, determined, motivated and impatient (among other redeeming qualities). To my surprise, in the last year, Claire has developed these exact same personality traits. She looks just like my husband but acts just like me. Certainly it's not all bad. This means she'll be successful and self-sustaining, but it also means she can be a bit of a terror at times. She needs to have everything her way and right away. She also needs to do everything herself, which is not the easiest thing for a two and a half year old. Needless to say we bump heads. I know, I know, she's 2 and I'm 31 I should be a bit more mature, but hey... we both want to do things our way!

She has a new thing she's saying all the time these days. I'll try to put her up in her car seat or put on her shoes and she'll say, "All under self control mommy." At first we thought she was saying something to the effect that mommy was out of control (which would have been true most days), but instead she was telling me she can do it herself. She's so smart and focused! I just have to remember that she's only 2, and even though she thinks she has "everything under self control" she still needs help from her mommy now and then.