Monday, April 14, 2008

The Other Reason Why

It is official, we have a wild child!

When Syd was little, Mere and I used to look at parents with "spirited" children and say, "we would never let our kid act like that." Temper tantrum? What is that? No, not our perfect, wonderful child. Airplane rides, restaurants, movies....you name it and we could do it knowing that Syd would cooperate and behave the entire time. From the time she was 15 months old you could tell Syd no and she got it. Don't get me wrong, we have had our fair share of time outs and discipline with Syd but she has always been a laid back little soul. She is sensitive and thoughtful and not willing to take many risks. She was the kind of toddler that you really didn't need to childproof for (but we did!) because she always stuck close to us and took our cues. I could have easily stayed home with Syd and spent every waking moment with her. Mere and I rarely went anywhere without her and just couldn't understand parents who needed a break.

Well, that was then and this is now! Layne is Syd's polar opposite. She is a fit throwing, fast moving firecracker. She is stubborn and fearless and persistent. She has more energy then all of us put together and she will WEAR YOU OUT FAST. She is our little monkey. Mere and I have both handed her off many times with the phrase, "you take her because I can't take anymore." But when she smiles the room stops and her laughter is pure sunshine. When she snuggles up next to you and cuddles it's the closest to heaven you can get on earth.

I love both my girls more than life itself. I love time with them. They are so different and so wonderful. Tonight Mere called me after taking them to a church function for 2 hours and she sounded like she had run a marathon. I mean, she sounded exhausted. She had a full day of taking care of the girls all by herself and then a night out with them alone (I am pulling a 24 hr shift). I could tell by her voice that she was as exhausted as I have ever been and she has to get up and do it all over again tommorrow. Chasing Layne around is a FULL time job.......I know she is always going to challenge and suprise us and WEAR US OUT!!!! That is the reason why I could not be a stay at home mom.....it's too hard :))
Thank God for Mere!

7 comments:

K J and the kids said...

If I would have known you before Layne was born.....I would have cursed you with a spirited child and then felt a little guilty when it came true :)
I have THREE spirited children (and I'm certain 2 on the way) and can't stand people who don't have to child proof their homes...can go out and sit through an entire movie with a 15 month old.
Are you KIDDING ME !
Well, I guess now I will just feel a little guilty for being happy that you have a spirited child :) ha ha

Your wife is a super star to handle it day in and day out without a break.

Unknown said...

Auhhh Layne. I just love her. I think it is funny when people say boys are worse than girls. I swear sometimes peanut grows about 2 more hands. No sooner do i take something out of her hand then she is into something else.

People say things about peanut and her energy level, but i usually just shake it off. I knew I was in trouble when she was climbing before she was walking.

I am hoping that the next one is much more like his dad. I can't really say much about peanut because she is really just a mini me.

Jen said...

Oh, I feel your pain. Madeline is not so much a crazy, into things kind of kid, but she is definitely spirited personality wise. She knows what she wants and lets you feel her pain when she doesn't get it. It's tough. The other day one of the teachers in her room at day care was trying to get her to go to sleep for her nap and Madeline said "You can't make me!" Sigh.

Rachel said...

I obviously don't know what my kids are going to be like but I confess to being one of those people who says "I will never let my child act like that." K and I discuss children frequently but alas who knows what the future holds...whatever kind of children I end up having (if I am even so blessed to have some), they will probably be the epitome of spirited.
What kind of church do you and your family go to if I may ask?
And thanks for the advice...I will definitely consider it; Russia lays heavily on my mind.

K J and the kids said...

Happy happy birthday Jess dear. Happy days will come to you all year.
If I had one wish, then it would beeeeeee.
A happy happy birthday to you from meeeeee.

:)

Sonya said...

HAHAHAHAHA... I really loved this post.

We couldn't childproof enough for 2 of our 3. There isn't anything too tall to climb... just experienced this again on Sunday. The hill doesn't make her go fast enough on her bike. While one is ultra sensitive, thoughful, shy, conservative... she also had a skull fracture before age 3.

gabrielle said...

sounds just like our harriet..we say she has two speeds...full and asleep