The Sweet Spot

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Something amazing happened over the past two weeks. We have entered into a "sweet spot" of parenting.  Our home has become down right fun, thanks to Kiefer finally turning a corner.  He has traded screaming for laughing; Fall-on-the-floor tantrums for funny walks; and loud demands into boisterous singing.  The "C" in his a-b-c-d song is epic.

Prior to the "turn" Kiefer was unhappy and clingy from about 5:30 am - 7:30 am every morning.  And then it was time for school, leaving us very little enjoyable time together.

Now he is (relatively) quick to wake up and doesn't mind a little separation from his parents' hips.  In fact, his new-found independence has us running frantically to snatch him out of oncoming traffic and other new varieties of danger found when not being carried 24/7.

I just wish he wasn't so fast. For a two-year-old still sporting pants for a 12 month old, those tiny legs are speedier than expected.  And with such a low stature, he has proven himself an admirable adversary.  Although it increases our need of attentiveness, overall I consider it a win.....just need to make sure he wears a helmet at all times.

If our mornings sounded rough, the evenings weren't much better.

Upon arrival home, we kicked off with Kiefer refused to eat dinner.  Every Night.  Like our very own Gandhi without the hunger strike purpose.  Next we moved seamlessly to the bath, where the mere thought of water near his face caused him to lose. his. mind.  In case there was a question, bathing without water is hard.

Again, we have had an amazing one-eighty degree shift.  Kiefer now eats nearly everything on his plate and has traded constant water whining for craftiness. Instead crying for a towel after spraying a water toy in his eyes (Yes, his own eyes), he now takes the same offending toy, aims it at his brother and then turns it on. It's so clever, I can't bring myself to scold him.

To have two cheerful and joyous kids in the house has been a game-changer for this mom.  Seeing Kiefer's personality shine through has been a huge blessing and so energizing.  Though we have no idea when our time may run out, we happily soak in whatever we can.

Here's hoping for another few years in the Sweet Spot (we really are due).

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