Surviving two

Izzy is living up to the title of Terrible Twos. Lately, she likes to use the word stupid, as in 'stupid Mommy' and  'stupid Roxie' for which she gets put in time out and could care less. She would sit in time out all day if we left her there.

Izzy and Charlie often always want the same toy, book, meaningless object. The moment Izzy realizes she is losing the battle to her older and bigger brother, she will lean in and bite. Hard. We send her to time out (see above).

She refuses to let me pick out her clothes, help her get dressed, brush her hair. No amount of cajoling, or threatening to throw away toys can convince her to help clean up her room at the end of the day.

She will not be hurried when out and about and walks at her own (slooooow) pace. She has to put on her car seat harness "by myself!" In the car she is usually quiet, content with her fingers in her mouth and listening to Charlie talk. Other times, she will time her words to perfectly interfere with whatever Charlie is trying to say - frustrating him to no end. It's actually pretty hilarious.

She is stubborn, strong-willed, persistent.

She is also incredibly sweet and unbelievably cuddly. Most waking (and sleeping) moments will find her plastered to my side, asking to be 'up' and wanting to be held. She sits close, on top of me if possible. Sometimes she grabs my face in her hands and puts her nose to mine, and then just stays that way - content with the proximity. She gives spontaneous hugs, slobbery kisses, and has the best laugh when tickled.

She is two going on fourteen. The fact that she looks nothing like me is only her first major act of rebellion. I can see the others coming.

She is amazing, and I wouldn't trade her for a second. But I do need a little more patience if I'm going to make it through the twos. And if three is worse than two, as it was for Charlie, then I'll need a lot more than patience. I will need wine. Lots and lots of wine.

Crazy to think she was this chubby, bald-headed baby only two years ago. I love this sweet video of her and that stage of her babyhood. This reminds me that I need to take more videos of my kids. It also reminds me that this phase, too, shall pass.