2.5 going on 25

Where do I begin with these two little girls.... Parenting toddlers is so much different than parenting babies.  There are tantrums, timeouts, hitting, pushing, screaming,  crying because you want something, and crying because you don't want what you just cried over.  But, there are also hugs, kisses, smiles, and I love you's.

Lately on FB, there has been a lot of bragging about what people's children can do at the age of 2.5.  Some people's kids know all of their ABCs, numbers 1-20, colors, etc.  They  are so worried about their children learning these things at such a young age and it seems there's a lot of pressure on the kids.  I am a firm believer in a more natural, fun approach when it comes to learning.  If a child wants to learn, and enjoys doing it, they will become a lifelong learner.  If they are forced into it, they may not have that intrinsic motivation that others do.  

Grandma has taught the girls their ABCs via Sky.pe using super fun flashcards.  The girls love to do their ABCs with her!  There are little pictures on the cards as well and they always remember what Grandma says about the picture too.  For example, the letter I has an ice cream cone that's dripping.  When Grandma asks what it is, Evy says that "Its dripping on the floor!" Or, the picture for letter Q is a quilt and Evy will say that "it goes on Grandma's bed!"  I have no idea how they keep all of that knowledge up there, but its pretty awesome.  We practice colors by pointing things out in books, picking out sippy cups, silverware, plates, etc.  We count blueberries, fingers, toes, eyes, and whatever else we can count.  They sort things by helping put the silverware away.  Char is really good at it!  You can just see her wheels turning when she's standing on the chair putting the forks with the forks, spoons with spoons, etc.  Its so cool when you can just see them thinking!

So, back to my point.  I wanted to throw a different perspective out to FB.  I wanted to say how important it is to work on character instead of just intelligence.  This is what I wrote and I got an overwhelmingly positive response!  Every parent puts importance on what they feel they need to, and at this age, I want them to be good little people with big hearts.

I am insanely proud of what amazing little people Char and Evy have become at the young age of 2 1/2. My girls care about their family, and love to play with their friends. After a play date all they can talk about is what they did that day. They love to help unload the dishwasher, put clothes in laundry baskets, and cook breakfast. They understand feelings, offer a blankey, and rub someone's back when they seem sad. They follow directions, say please and thank you, give hugs, kisses, high fives & fist bumps, and kiss their mom and say I love you. Their eyes light up when they get to do simple things like go shopping with mom or go outside and get the mail. Watching them play pretend makes my heart melt every single time. They may not know all of their letters, numbers, shapes, and colors yet but there is still a lot of time for that. To me what's important right now is shaping them into caring, empathetic, creative, open minded and thoughtful people.

What else is new with them you ask? They never. stop. talking! I remember wishing that they would talk more, but now I just want one moment of silence!  I have to say though, what they do say is pretty entertaining.  

Here are a few of my favs:

Shaun T is kicking mommy's butt! (In reference to me doing T25)

What's that for? ( Evy says this countless times a day)

Whatchya doin Mama? (Evy also says this many many times a day.)

I love you Mommy!

There's a big ucky right there. (She's telling me to get the bug or whatever away from her)

Bro has penis, Evy (or Char) has jaina.  (Yes, yes that's true.)

Boop! (Pokes my belly button.)

Bro Bros Awake!!! (They get very excited when the boys are up from their nap)

Sure! Uh-huh!  (I ask Char something and this is what she says.  Cutest thing ever.)

Evy do it! I do it!

I'm so hungry for cookies.  (Aren't we all?)

Use a fork, Mama.  (I was eating my asparagus with my fingers and she told me to use a fork! How proper.)

Take a big sip?  (They always want a sip!)

Mama drink beer? (Yes, of course I drink beer.  And wine. And coffee. A lot of it)

I'm sure there are many many many other things that they say daily, but that's just what comes to mind.

Things the girls LOVE right now:

• The movie Frozen
• Playing outside
• Tormenting their brothers
• Playing with the doggie
• Throwing food
• "Helping" mom with chores around the house
• Pushing buttons (actual buttons, and Mom's buttons!)
• Playing pretend
• Cuddling with Mommy
• Their blankies
• Talking non-stop!
• Talking to Grandma on Sky.pe
• Learning... everything!
• Being independent
• Buckling things
• Playing with water
• Going places with mom
• Riding in the car
• Did I mention talking?
• Eating cookies
• Helping mom make waffles
• Playing pretend
• Taking care of their babies
• Playing at the park
• Playing with their friends
• Making messes out of EVERYTHING

I love these two so much and am so proud to be their mom!  I know I don't do everything right, but no one does.  I am doing the best I can and that's all that a mom can do.