Almost Two

As Addison and Mackenzie near their second birthday, I can't help but think about those trying times often referred to as the terrible twos.  Now, from many mothers ahead of me in this parenting game, I am hearing that age three can be even worse, but let's cross that bridge when we get there, shall we?

My sister was a very strong-willed (okay, stubborn) child.  She still is, but it has become a much more flattering trait as she has matured into a convicted and determined young lady.  Being six years older, I can remember much of her toddler stages.  I remember many of the tantrums, the sassiness, and seeing my mom have her patience tried day after day.  My family used to say that Laura hit the terrible twos at a year old and didn't outgrow them until kindergarten.  (We joke, of course...my sister may have been a handful, but she was never what you might call a problem child.  Our issues as children were very mild compared to what many families experience.  We still tease Laura about things she did as a child, but she knows we love her beyond measure.)

I have found myself wondering more and more what these upcoming stages might hold for my own girls. 

I would be lying if I said I wasn't at least a bit fearful of the tantrums, attitude, and drama that might be awaiting us in the next couple of years.  My children come from two admittedly strong-willed parents and have already made it quite clear that they will have their own opinions about every detail of life...which they should.  I am quite glad to be raising tiny girls with big personalities who are clear about what they want in this world. 

I might just need to remind myself of this fact when we are in the middle of a face-melting tantrum over which room we will play in for the next thirty minutes.  (Example from yesterday afternoon:  one child wants to slide in the playroom while the other wants to cook in the living room.  They both want me in the room at all times.  Clearly, one child will be disappointed in this scenario.  Wailing ensues.)

For now, I am enjoying the stage my girls are in...talking more and more without knowing how to talk back to me yet, learning new things without causing too much mischief, and still able to be deterred by a coloring project or blowing bubbles.  I have this lingering feeling that things could change any day!

Have you dealt with the terrible twos yet?  Do you fear them like I do?