Why I Love The Terrible Two’s

The terrible twos. We are right in the middle of them. Until I had a two year old, I would roll my eyes at the term “terrible twos”. How terrible can a toddler TRULY be? Ha ha ha. They can be horrible. I have spent hours recently digging items out of the trash that shouldn’t go there. I’ve had to drag my kicking and screaming two year old out of the dog’s bed because he can’t sleep there. There’s been meltdowns, messes and much more. Even after all of that, I love the terrible twos (I’m not crazy- promise), and here’s why.

I love the terrible two’s because it means that I’ve succeeded in keeping this tiny human alive for two years. We’ve survived the late night feedings, the umbilical cord upkeep, the c-section recovery…we’ve survived all of those really difficult parts that come with a newborn.

I love the terrible two’s because two years ago, I prayed for these days. A little over two years ago, I was sitting in the hospital with my newborn baby hooked up to oxygen and IV’s. I was praying with all that I had for this little boy to overcome the pneumonia he contracted at birth, and that there would be no lasting effects. I prayed so hard that we would make it past those horrible days and we would greet these days together, no matter how difficult they are.

I love the terrible two’s because he’s hilarious. His personality has really started to shine through now that he’s two. He can communicate a bit more of what he wants, and sometimes the way he communicates is hilarious. “Shide” means ‘let’s go outside’. He also loves to sing and dance, but his dance skills need a bit of work. He loves to take funny photos with me and go on ‘adventures’.

I love the terrible two’s because he isn’t too cool for mommy, yet. We spend most of our days together, and he never gets tired of me. I can leave for 10 minutes and he’s still just as happy to see me as he would be if I was gone for 3 days. He likes to hold my hand and cuddle when he’s tired, and he always gives the best kisses.

I love the terrible two’s because I get to experience life through his eyes. He makes a mess when he eats ice cream, and he recently discovered just how amazing it is to dip your fries in ketchup. He constantly watches for it to rain so he can sing “rain rain go away”. Small things that I have taken for granted for so many years, I am learning to slow down and enjoy through his eyes.

I love the terrible two’s because two years ago, I prayed for these days. A little over two years ago, I was sitting in the hospital with my newborn baby hooked up to oxygen and IV’s. I was praying with all that I had for this little boy to overcome the pneumonia he contracted at birth, and that there would be no lasting effects. I prayed so hard that we would make it past those horrible days and we would greet these days together, no matter how difficult they are.

I love the terrible two’s because not everyone gets to experience them. There are so many parents and children who do not get to experience the ‘terrible two’s’ together for so many various reasons. I try to cherish and love these days, because I know that I’m blessed to have them.

I love the terrible two’s because I know that one day I will miss them. I know that one day, he will be grown and gone. He will have a family of his own. In the midst of a really difficult day, it can be hard to see this and remember this. When I’m exhausted and overwhelmed with daily life, it’s hard to remember that I’ll miss this. When I step back and reflect though, I know that I will miss this one day.

If you are in the middle of the terrible two’s, or another difficult phase of raising your little ones, I hope that this encourages you a bit. I pray that the days get easier and that you can enjoy the difficult phases, mama.