I try not to dwell on the tougher aspects of parenting, especially managing toddler behavior in a willful child, if I did I think it might consume me. I try to accentuate the positive and remember that these days are flying by and to enjoy the ride.
Tonight was a perfect example of that. I was down on the floor playing with Isabel, she stood up and pulled her etcha-sketch toy off the couch and I saw it coming toward me but couldn't move fast enough to get away (isn't that the worst?!) Well it hit my ear. HARD. I felt like I was bleeding and my head hurt. I let out a shriek but tried to muffle it because I didn't want to scare Isabel.
J came over to check on me and I asked for a bag of frozen peas. The shock of the hit wore of quickly and in the mean time Isabel, had dropped to her knees. Knelt beside me and was peering over me saying 'ok mama'? She was genuinely concerned and rubbed my head as I said 'ouch'.
I told her 'mama is ok' and she took the bag of peas and put it to her ear. She got it and was so sweet about it. I know it was an accident and she didn't mean it but this empathetic and compassionate side just melted me. In that moment all she cared about was her mama and making sure she was ok. How's that for a 21 month old?! This for me is what its about. Watching her grow, develop and put two and two together. She may be intense and strong willed at times but this other side of her, this loving, compassionate, caring and empathetic side is wonderful and outweighs anything else! Its the silver lining.
Even at lunch she made friends with two girls that were eating lunch one table away. The baby made eyes at Isabel and waved all through lunch which made Isabel shy. But, by the end of lunch their mom and I talked as the 3 year old ran around with Isabel as they played chase. Isabel even offered a hug to the little girl which melted both me and the other mom's hearts.
Isabel is such a special girl. Even the notes I got from her teachers as she left her school noted that and it just makes all the tough parts about being her parent worth it. Its hard work to parent but the most rewarding especially on occasions like today.
3 comments:
awww! this brought tears to my eyes sis...what a beautiful, compassionate, loving little girl you are raising. I am so proud of you. XOXO
Aw man, I should NOT have read this at work!! I am tearing up at my desk just thinking about how SWEET of a moment that must have been. Isabel is such a loving little girl, I LOVE to see her actions coming through that way more and more. She is the best. And YOU are the best for raising her this way! xoxo
AP paying off (big smiles)
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