Hi.
I haven’t forgotten about blogging.
Life has been nuts lately and blogging is always the thing on my ‘ To-Do ‘ list that seems to get bumped. Sometimes it bothers me that I don’t have the time to share life with you as much as I’d like but at least half the time… I’m kinda relieved when I don’t have time. I really enjoy blogging but am not a natural writer at all. So when I do write, it takes me a little longer the average person. There’s LOTS of writing, then deleting, then staring at the keyboard trying to force my fingers to type what I could easily say but can’t manage to write somehow. Sleeplessness and plain exhaustion doesn’t really help the matter either. Haha:)
The reason why life has been so nuts lately is because my girls are about to turn two- plain and simple. Thus far, I am finding this age extremely taxing. They are becoming so verbal and so independent, which I love on the one hand. But on the other hand, it requires so much work from me teach them how to use these new-found skills in a respectful way.
You know exactly which behaviors I’m talking about.
…the nagging & whining when they want something (or just plain feel like it).
…the fact that they only eat what they want to eat and therefore choices are becoming limited.
… when they run away from me in public leaving me looking like a parent who can’t control of her child.
… when I call their name and they ignore me.
…when they won’t greet people or make eye contact and you can tell it’s a game for them.
I feel like pulling my hair out just typing about it! I know these are all normal behaviors of children this age but I still don’t find them acceptable. Teaching them to listen to me when I speak is flippin’ tiring. At the moment, every day is about being patient but firm with my words and consistent in my follow-through (of discipline). Every day is negotiations of the smaller things and choosing my ‘no’ carefully. Someday’s I feel like Supermom and other days I feel like a crap mom. And sometimes it seems like they tag teaming me; if Keena’s not pushing her luck, it’s Blake and visa versa. I’m loving their developement but totally drained by it at the same time. (big sigh)
I’m going to leave that there and just say that I welcome any words of encouragement or advice from my fellow moms who have walked the 2 year old road already.
Here are some cute things from late than I can share with you though…
This is Blake’s favorite thing/toy/comfort object at the moment. Other than her dummy- this old vitamin container is her joy. She carries it in her hand ALL DAY, most of the time she’s ‘making eggs’ in it. Therefore, this container has become known as ‘eggs’. When she looses is she throw up her hands, shrugs her shoulders and asks me “Mama, eggs’? So crazy and so cute.
Keena is really into cars & motorbikes at the moment. Husband has a motorbike that he’s busy fixing up and she LOVES to go see it with him every night when he gets home from work. She carries her girly hot wheels around with her most the day and calls them her ‘beep beeps’, after the sound of a car horn.
( A close up of ‘eggs’ and ‘beep beep’.)
So far, it looks like I have one cook and one car fanatic on my hands:) Fine by me.
PS. I know I still owe you quite a few cultural vlogs. Stay tuned… (like always huh?)
It's How We Roll 
Ruth — two year olds are the perfect proof that we are selfish creatures from the beginning! 🙂 Your adventures in momming twins will continue for years and years to come, but the joys far outweigh the challenges. It is good to be the mom, after all. Remember that. You’re in charge. They’re not. I distinctly remember the feeling of being outmanned by my own twinners (they’ll be 26 in a couple weeks – yikes!), but somehow, we survived – one day at a time. your girls are beautiful, you have a wonderful husband, and you’re a good mom. (remind yourself of this daily!) MUCH love to you!!
Becky
Thanks Becky. It’s always really nice to hear from a ‘surviving’ twin Mom. 🙂
That is so awesome! I love that they have “things” already. 🙂 Be sure not to put them into a box, metaphorically speaking. I’ve found that I occasionally do that with Josie and Ben– Ben gets the cars, Josie gets the princess toys. Once I realized that I was doing that, it’s been easier for me to encourage the other options for both of them. I read once that if you put your kid into the “shy” or “wild” category, the more likely they’ll continue to be that way because that’s what you expect of them.
ANYWAY, I kind of got off on a tangent! 😛 I’m not saying any of this because I think you need this specific help, it’s just something I’ve learned recently and wanted to share. 🙂 Just reading your struggles and desires for your girls is so awesome to me, they are so lucky to have a mom who cares SO MUCH for their development as little ladies. (I’m sure dad does too) These next few years are tough, and can be trying. But just remember to take it one day, sometimes ONE HOUR at a time. Giving them your love will give them the confidence to be strong. Showing them how you respect others and expect the same from them is a great example for them. Don’t be too hard on yourself, or on them. They will make mistakes, and so will you. God’s grace is new every morning! This is an amazing adventure that you’re on, and you’ve been blessed with TWICE as much as a normal first-time momma. But you know what that means? It means that God knows you can take this on and ROCK IT. 🙂
I’m always here if you want to vent or talk about any kid stuff.
Thanks so much for your encouragement Chrystal. Geesh, I know this is just a season but sometimes it feels like F.O.R.E.V.E.R. This to shall pass, this to shall pass, this too shall pass… 🙂
Oh and I totally know what you mean about the ‘boxes’. At the moment Keena is very interested in things that are not typically classified as ‘girlie’ such as fish, motorbikes, cars and tool sets but we don’t mind at all. They need the opportunity to explore different things to eventually find out what they actually DO like. And if she still likes motorbikes and tool sets at 16- more power to her. She will still be taught how to be a well manner, well spoken young lady and that’s what’s important to me. And the flip side of Keena is that at the same time, she looooves babies, head-bands, barrettes and tutus! so if anything, she will be a well rounded individual:)
What is a dummy?
Rachel, a dummy is what you call a pacifier.
Hey Ruth.
Ah the ‘terrible two’s!’ Only now do I say that phrase with the utmost respect. My best advice? Try and make some time during the week a priority to Rejuvinate yourself as a woman – and throw off all the guilt when separated from your kiddies. You need all the emotional resilience your best self
Can offer so do something, anything, regularly to reward yourself and put back some of that bleedin ceretonin!. My Rejuvinate session usually involves a vogue magazine, a coffee, a sea-view and some Brazilian lounge music. If I could afford it a weekly massage would totally be on the menu! And then, carry on doing exactly what you are doing best – be consistent. Don’t let that little terror inside your little angel usurp your authority! Love them completely by being their parent first and buddy second. That took me a while to catch on to. A practical tool I found that really helped was to write a list of regular misbehaviors with an appropriate consequence so you don’t find yourself all
too often at a loss at what to do for e.g. If you hit, bite or push while playing, you get taken out of play straight away (time out) and the secret here is to be ruthless (ha ha) i.e. calm but the kid knows there will be consequences. Removing favorite toys or unshared items to the top of the fridge works for me, or the proverbial (and yes i know very unpopular) few smacks on the bottom with a wooden spoon in the bathroom seems to change attitudes in no time! Another tip i got about food from the fabulous must read book ‘why french children don’t throw food’; They have to at least take a bite of each thing on their plate, or they don’t leave the table. Judah has often said He doesn’t like something (in that all too familiar whiny moan like whimper) when he hasn’t ever tasted the food! I’m sure you know all this but it’s always nice to share! All the best! Xxx