Three

Ever wonder why they call the age of two the "terrible twos?"  I didn't until I had a two year old (Little J) who was quite compliant and sweet compared to the three year old she became. But that, my friends, was minor compared to her at the age of four. Wow, I still shiver when I go back down that memory lane.  Fast forward to now.  The Little Princess is three. There really isn't a set saying for being three like there is for two, but I could certainly come up with a few! (Like

I hate to be a redundant parent who complains about stages. I truly do.  However, I'm not sure if I will survive this stage she is in, especially being with the child 24/7 this summer. There is this noise that comes out of her mouth constantly...and it's not a fun noise like a chirp or blip....and it's not a gross noise like a burp...it's WHINING.  No, not winning like Charlie Sheen would say, but pretty much as annoying.  She has this way with her voice that is driving me to lots of things that aren't even as calm as drinking.  That sounded way worse than it is, but you get the point.  And yet, amidst this whine is this child who is quick to apologize once she realizes she is in trouble, and she will look me in the eye each time and ask, "Mommy, will you forgive me?" in this Little Princess voice that melts my heart. I do know that is simply her way of manipulating me into loving her again, but it's cute so I'll let it go.  The child IS brilliant and will someday rule the world.  However, until then, she is mine to raise and as of this moment, I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed and under-skilled.

Do ya ever wonder what your parents would have written about you if they had blogged when you were little?  I know it may be quite a stretch for most of you to imagine, but I was a shy, quiet and very compliant child until about middle school years when I wasn't quiet and shy anymore (but I still did obey my parents, teachers and other adults believe it or not).  I don't want people to think the Little Princess is icky or just plain naughty through my portrayals of her, yet, this is my venting place and honestly, right now she is nothing but naughty and icky. I don't love her any less. I don't blame her.  I know that much of the problem is her dad.  Okay, that even made me smile.  Seriously, though, what is it that makes a toddler the ruler?  They ARE you know.  Think of how many conversations are stopped by your toddler. Think of how many times your plans have changed because of your toddler.  Think of the "compromises" made because a toddler stopped something when the compromise happened. Yep, they rule and I'm not quite sure how to dethrone the little turd.

I discipline.  I'm definitely one who demands structure and tries hard to stay on a regular schedule for them.  I try to teach respect and show love.  God is a part of our day and although I fail often, I try to model what love should look like. This kid is relentless and is wearing me down.  Have no fear though, I shall rise up and take back my domain.  Soon. I promise. (Okay so ultimately, it may not be mine again for another year, but I'm not giving up hope yet!)

Speaking of domains, my bed is currently housing Little Princess who is no doubt gaining strength to rule tomorrow as I lose strength by staying awake late.  On that note, better head to the Land of Nod where I'm Queen again.....