Knock on Wood

Or rub a rabbit's foot, or clutch a four-leaf clover. Whatever it is you do to bring (or keep) good luck... I think we've turned a corner.


Mia turned one in April and the last 9 months? HARD. So much harder than the middle of the night feedings, or the spit up after every meal, or the two dozen diaper changes a day. Newborns? Easy! One year olds? HARD. The time since her birthday has been marked with tantrums, and frustration, and defiance, and tantrums, and physical struggles, and did I mention the tantrums? I'm not naive enough to think that this will be the last "difficult" stage, but man, I'm tired.


And then, about 2 weeks ago, we had a language explosion. And all of a sudden, it's like a different kid. A kid who can express her needs, tell me her preferences, and chatter her way happily through the day. While this still leaves my mind feeling like mush at the end of the day, it's a much more pleasant mush. Rather than collapsing into bed after a 3-tantrum day and wondering how we can better manage her behavior and whether we'll ever be able to leave the house again, Kevin and I lay awake and giggle over the latest Miaisms- like how she has specific chairs we're "allowed" to sit in ("Mommyseet, Daddyseet"), or how she wrinkles her brow and tells the kitty "Nokittyfoodno" when the cat gets to close to her cookies, or how she has to say goodbye to everything- including houses, cars, and lights. Instead of feeling overwhelmed and frustrated by her frustration, we're enjoying her enjoyment.


It's a win-win.


So here's hoping that 2011 bids goodbye to the Obnoxious Ones, and hello to the TerrificTwos.


Knock on wood.