We just celebrated my son’s 2nd birthday, and boy, was it a doozy! Being back in my home state allowed me to have friends and family here that I had not seen in years, and allowed my son to get to know his cousins, and even make a few friends along the way. We had a lot of fun right here at home, and it turned out even better than I imagined.
Before his birthday though, I started feeling as though my baby was no longer my baby and is growing into a little man faster than I can blink my eyes. This makes me sad every time I think about it, but every chance I get to hold him like he is still an infant, or love him in those few rare moments he will let me just hug him and squeeze me back, I covet those times and lock them deep inside my memory so in years to come I can look back and think about this sweet little angel I get to call all mine.
See, I feared him getting older, and everyone kept telling me that once he turned 2 we would be in for a world of trouble. You know, the terrible two’s! Well, let me be the first to tell you those start well before the second birthday and thus far I have no clue how long they last. My son is spoiled… to an extent, but I am a stay at home mommy, so he gets to spend all of his time learning how I can easily be tricked into letting him get away with things. And, oh yes, he is a smart little booger! He has learned that if he bats his eyes and smile really sweet most times I let him get away with things, he has learned that when daddy, or grandma get onto him, if he cries in that sad little way he does, mommy will coddle him, and he has learned that no matter what he does, I love him and am ALWAYS here.
I do know how bad spoiling a child can turn out , but I also know when to be firm, and correct him if he has done something wrong. Most of the time it isn’t so bad. He doesn’t bite others, he doesn’t hit people, and he is extremely sweet most of the time. But on the rare occasion he acts out, I know when it is time to put my foot down and when to let it go. I don’t want to be a helicopter mom, but I also don’t want to be one of those moms that doesn’t watch their kid at all, and finding a balance so that he can have his independence to learn and grow is really hard. I know other parents experience this too, but for me it’s hard because I want to keep my eyes on him at all times, and I want to tell him he can’t do things that I know he will learn from, but I also know by not allowing him to do those things it could hinder his learning about consequence, and cause and effect, and about life in general.
I want to be the best mom possible, and I want my children to be able to excel and grow into amazing adults that can look back and be thankful they have a mom like me in their corner. I am proud of my son, and am just as excited about our new addition that will be here in the new year. Being a mom is a hard job, but it is one I wouldn’t change for anything in this world.
My son has taught me so much that I didn’t think I could learn from such a tiny person! Everyday we grow and learn together and I think we will eventually overcome the terrible twos and continue on our journey through life, all the while teaching one another things we didn’t know before.
To every mom out there, cherish those little moments that seem insignificant at the time. Every hug, every kiss, every giggle, or sad face, or I love you. It means so much and one day, hopefully not too soon, they will stop doing those little things as often and you will be saddened, and wish you had them back. For now, hang on to them and know that you are an amazing mom, and you are doing a great job!!
Check out some of the amazing moments from our little guy’s 2nd birthday party below!
Dora Clemons
I grew up in the country. Born and raised in NC. I am a mother to 2 amazing kids, wife to an awesome husband, and all around happy person who loves life!
I am curious about all things pertaining to parenting, and everyday becomes a brand new learning adventure for me and my family.
I love being able to share my experiences, give advice, and help others to be as successful as possible!
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Belated Happy Birthday to your adorable son! Looks like he had such a fun party!
Aw, I miss when my boys were that age! Two is such a fun and funny age… but yes it is a challenging time too.
Your post might just inspire moms to live ever second with their cute kids instead of thinking about how stressful each movement they make when they clean this, do that. You guys look like you had fun!
Such sweet pictures. I miss having the little ones in the house. 🙂
My goodness, your little guy looks so adorable and these pictures are quiet amazing as well to capture those great moments of celebration. Wishing him a Happy Birthday and more happiness to your family!
Happy Birthday!! I remember when mine were 2 years old. They learn so much at that age.
Happy 2nd birthday young man! Wishing you all the best!
AHHHHH looking back 2 was definitely an interesting year for my daughter! I think 4 is the hardest year! 4 year olds have too many opinions lol