Troublesome Four… 😒

Towards the end of last year and the beginning of this year, I have noticed a huge shift with both of my children. They are both maturing, their mouths are moving more than ever. Their learning is improving, it’s a wonderful thing to see.

What I’ve noticed the most is their attitudes. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but they both seem to be more moody and more opinionated than ever before. I feel like this is a very vital time in parenthood. I really don’t like whiners, and my son always seems to whine rather than just ask for something directly. As this is his behavior, it trickles down to his younger sister and then she also starts whining for things. I just can’t stand it!

My disciplined radar is higher than ever, and I’m not trying to be the grinch in the house, but if I don’t take it away from them now it’s just going to get worse.

My daughter is so demanding and in my head I’m thinking, what exactly do you know about “this and that.” It can be from a simple task to picking up toys or to picking out her clothes. I’m happy to have her pick out what she wants to wear, but sometimes clothing that she chooses is not appropriate because I know it’s for a certain event or I know it will get dirty, so when I say she cannot wear it, rather than her just saying ”Ok mommy” and moving on to choosing the next thing, she decides she wants to have a huge toddler tantrum about it. That’s where I draw the line. I always have to remind her that “I am the mother” and she has to listen to me and she can’t always get her way.

Things never used to be like this, and it’s making me think if all parents go through this phase 🤔 I don’t remember hearing about it.… PLEASE, SHARE YOUR STORIES WITH ME!!!!

At this stage of my children’s ages, they listen and hear every single thing anybody says. It’s so important for me to say the right things and do the right things while also teaching them valuable lessons.

The truth is, I am kind of struggling. This is a new change I was NOT prepared for just yet, but I will certainly figure it out.

“It takes a village” is making more sense to me as my children get older and as I observe them.

Stay tuned.

Is there a groom yourself age limit?

Is there a grooming age limit for children?

I randomly came across this question while looking at the picture above.

My son Jaden loves to be pampered. Is it wrong that I let him at age three? I’m literally grooming him to enjoy good things. He loves to get pedicures on his tiny little toes and as you can see he knows what a good back massage and foot massage is. He says  “mommy, can you massage my feet or scratch my back.” Like!!! what do you know about that you little three old!

Honestly, I don’t mind treating him to mommies sweet foot massage or little back scratch. When I was younger, I remember my mom scratching my back when I asked it was the sweetest thing ever so maybe I’m just following a trait.

Am I training him up to be spoiled in this kind of way… Is it going to drive his lovely girlfriend or wife up the wall one day because he’s going to be asking for these things on demand… They do say we set up our children and then they are who they are, but I also believe that you’re never too young to enjoy something good as long as you know the value of it. I make sure I tell my son every day to be thankful, say his prayers and make sure he knows that some people don’t have things that he has and I use food as a good example. When he wants something and doesn’t feel like  eating it after he asked for it, I let him know that not everyone is fortunate enough to have a meal on their table on demand like you do so please finish up your food and it usually works. 

Everything is about moderation. Grooming is a part of life. I believe that kids should know how to put their shoes in order, know how to dress, brush their hair and teeth and know a routine and sometimes that routine consist of enjoying good things like pedicures and back massages.

At the end of the day, I know what I’m doing… I hope lol in the  meantime I will let his little three-old self, soon to be four enjoy those little things, but if I noticed him asking for something way more than often then it all comes to a stop and I’ll definitely have to deal with that consequence “C’est la vie” sometimes.

 

 

Threenager…

Hi readers,

I am finally back…. life has been happening so I didn’t have time to blog because my mind wasn’t there but suddenly today I had the urge to get back to writing so here I am.

The last time I spoke about my new born baby girl who is about to be one years old in one more month 🤯 & a big brother who has been oh so caring, loving & protective… but there’s more… AGE THREE.

That’s right my big boy is finally three years old and the experience is like no other. He’s wild. When I say wild, I mean it. Three is interesting, the kids are on self discovery like never before but now they talk more & talk back. They know what they are doing and saying & know exactly what buttons to press. Three has been interesting like I just say say.

Jaden is one of the loves of my life but sometimes I feel bad because he drives me to crazy village with his threenager antics. When he’s getting disciplined sometimes it works and sometimes he pulls out the crocodile tears to make me feel bad which these days don’t work lol! I really have to stand my ground if not this little boy could finish me off like the last one on one on a battle field.

The love is unconditional but the wahala aka the trouble he gives can be a bit too much. I am hands on deck as a mother but now I’m dealing with two sides. A growing baby and a toddler and it is a whole lot. I know I got it though but keep the wine coming along with it 🤣

I am extremely blessed nevertheless to have a three year old because it means I’ve been a mother for three years and that’s amazing to me. I’ve grown so much as a woman and taking care of two just shows me a different  side of life not to mention I am soft and hard at the same time because I have a boy and girl.

My son may be wild but he’s still amazing and intelligent. Remembering big words, colors. Enjoying making friends and school & knowing exactly what he wants  and he’s still an amazing big brother. He really loves his little sister and she loves him back and it amazes me when he says things like “mommy this is for Jada.” He’s so involved with her and even if he has moment where he doesn’t want to share his one toy with her, he’ll find something she does like and he’ll give it her! That’s the BIG BROTHER move.

The observation continues.

A nostalgic experience at Disney World.

I can’t believe this day had finally come around. Taking my son to Disney World! Words are hard to express it but I’ll try my best.

Years ago my parents had taken my sisters & myself on this endless adventure & I remember it by these classic video tapes I never stopped watching. I was so small, and my mom would stroll me around with my two sisters walking side by side and the cam corder in my fathers hands. I remember it, the laughs and sisters mocks and “it’s a small world” and so much more…. & now it’s my turn as an adult, a mother & a wife. Wow!!!

I was so excited, probably more than my son who is two in just a few days (we thank God) My husband who has never experienced this Disney Magic was also in Awe almost in disbelief that a place could really take you out of the “real world” for a whole day. I told him before “This is a dream world” & funny that the Disney saying is “Where Dreams Come True”

We did it all, walked for hours, ate turkey legs, popcorn, went on the any age rides (surprisingly the lines were all amazing and fast) & shout out to Disney free Fast pass which helped also. We saw the parade, Our son met his two favorite characters the gorgeous Mrs Minnie Mouse and Daisy, saw the amazing castle & other beautiful backdrops…

What a day it was. We ended this amazing day with the finale firework show assisted by graphics and Disney music and I never felt so emotional in my whole life! I almost cried because it was surreal and nostalgic. The memories of my own childhood flushed over me and to be in this magical kingdom with my own family – really was dream come true.

My son, husband and I had the time of our lives and my son might not remember it fully in a few years but thankfully I captured some amazing moments on my camera just as my father did years ago. Technology definitely has its advantages 🙂

Our son took to the place very well & although Disney World does cost a lot of money (being frankly honest) to see the look on your child’s  face is worth every last penny!

I encourage all parents to take this trip at least once & more than if you can. The place is huge. We were only one amusement and water park in and there are still three more to explore & in a few years I hope to do them all again.

Thank you Walt Disney ❤️

Walking?! You mean RUNNING…

Now that my son has turned 1 years old, papa bear and I have stepped into a whole new world of craziness.

It’s exciting to see your child take their first steps from the beginning but once they start walking properly THERE’s NO SLOWING DOWN.

My son walks so fast, he bumps into things and he doesn’t know how to stop when he’s all excited and ready to play. He follows us around like a bee to a flower. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy because he’s doing what any one year old should be doing but it’s actually unbelievable.

In my opinion, the pros of your child walking mean that you don’t have to carry them everywhere (sometimes I forget, then I’m like “oh yeah”) it’s all great because you get to see how they use walking to climb and reach things. My son has a fisher price bike and the other day I caught him riding it and then standing on it… for the toddlers themselves per usual, they enjoy exploring everything. Knowing that your child is walking also means their skills are evolving and from the teeny baby that they were 1 year before I almost can’t believe it. With the waking comes the talking and so on and so forth.

Although as parents we know that the toddler “exploration” is part of what we have to go throug, this can also be a con.

My son is in more places he shouldn’t than ever before 😫 I need to invest in double protection just keep him safe. It’s a lot of work, double the work with a walking child. Going out in public is hard too especially when he’s ready to roam about. I’m quite open to him running around because I keep my eyes on him constantly, But chasing him back-and-forth that’s totally exhausting! And it’s also annoying because sometimes when he doesn’t feel like walking, he begins to crawl and we are in public so some places are not for a child’s hands.

I am happy that my son has reached his toddler ways, but I’m definitely looking forward to when I can tell him to stop, sit down or even stay and he will completely understand. That will be soon enough because I talk to my son with a normal voice, I don’t do the baby talk and he definitely understands me when I tell him certain things like go and come and of course other words so in time he will understand the concept of stay and sit still and don’t move.

As this year unfolds, I know there are so many things to look forward to and as every day passes by, more development is on the way for this toddler of mine.

I just wonder what is next but I am ready. So bring it on!!!

 

 

 

 

 

Milestone ONE

I did it! We did it. Papa bear and I made it one year as parents to our amazing son. What a journey it’s been. Just reflecting back to the hospital room waiting for little man J to arrive to now, wow!!!!

Our son is still smiling, dancing, no longer eating his baby food but table food & he is walking. Having all this happen right before my eyes is amazing. He knows how to copy everything I do with one look, he knows how to clap and find his little nose and even put his hands up in the air. It’s so many different things I’m just thankful I’m doing a good job. (Yes! I will pat myself of the back) motherhood is no small task.

This has been one heck of a year and I look forward to Jaden’s greater development as time continues on. In no time sentences will be forming and I look forward to having mother and son conversations. I’ve got his learning flash card all ready. This is the sponge stage after all and it’s important to take full advantage of that whether its learning new words, numbers or even languages.

To think my baby boy is no longer a baby but a toddler!!!! (Of course, he’ll always be my baby 🙂

Quick advice I have for new “newborn” mothers & fathers just as I once was a year ago:

– DON’T FREAK OUT! You got this MOM and you can do it DAD. Enjoy the experience and enjoy your baby because they really do grow up fast. Since my son has started walking everything has become more challenging already because he’s more curious than ever and he doesn’t know how to walk slow but is ready to take off like Usain Bolt every minute 😅

– As I’ve said in some of my earlier blogs, it takes time to get your “groove” back but it will come. As mothers, our bodies might change but that doesn’t mean you should love your body less.
– Rekindle the love. This might take time because your newborn baby takes up all the time you have and you might not feel attractive which happens often in the beginning but don’t worry, eventually you will get routinely great at things and you and your partner will be able to spend quality time together once again (very important)
– Lastly, let your baby do them. Don’t compare your child’s development to another. Every single child is different & you will run yourself mad if you start wondering “why this child is doing that and my child is not.” Let them take their milestones when they are ready and you’ll be so excited seeing their first laugh, tooth, crawl, walk etc.

I thank God for giving me more patience, learning and understanding more than I have ever had in my life. I thank God for Jaden’s amazing father for being supportive 24/7 and of course I thank Him for our son Jaden. This little boy has brought so much pride and joy not only to us but to so many others who he has made smile from friends, family and strangers.

Motherhood is amazing and I wouldn’t give it up for anything ❤️