The toddler is far scarier than the infant. I went there. To say the first year of motherhood was a whirlwind would be an understatement. However, I’m about four months into the second year and it seems even faster. Tornadoes move fast but I think toddlers move faster. This stage is fun but so very exhausting!
Until about ten months old, baby was stationary, played nice and was pretty easy to manage. Now she is an unstoppable crawling, grabbing machine. Blink and you’ll miss her! Watching her grow and development into a little girl is wonderful but brings me more anxiety than I ever imagined. Everything in our home has become lethal. The perfect sleep is a little less perfect (thank you endless tooth eruptions!). Our days out have quite a bit more whining and require more energy on our part.
I am a little overwhelmed by the fact that this stage is harder for me than the infant stage. Just like the newborn stage, I am confident that I will adapt and grow into my new role as toddler tamer. That’s the funny thing about motherhood – just when you think you’ve got it down, you realize you’ve already entered a new phase. As one of my mama friends pointed out recently, we will probably struggle with and worry about every age and stage of their lives, that’s what moms do!
I feel like having a toddler is just like having a new baby again in terms of gear. They need a whole other set of things just when you think you were done setting them up. I suspect this revelation reoccurs throughout their lives! Next it will be school things, recreational activities etc.
Big-girl clothes, teethers, walkers and feeding accessories are just some of the many new trinkets I’ve found myself getting. It’s not boding well for my clutter-free-home desires but if it makes mine and baby’s day run more smoothly then I can overlook the clutter.
Current Toddler Favorites
Teethers
By far her favorite teethers (we have a lot!)! She chews on these for the longest and always has one in her hand. I think the stalk shape is the reason she loves them so much. She is able to hold them and still go about her important toddler business. Then of course, there’s the obvious draw – HOW CUTE THEY ARE!
Non-slip Socks
These are so good! Aside from keeping her little toes warm in our chilly air conditioning they keep her feet from sliding on our slippery hardwood flooring. Given that her new found talent is doing the splits, these help my heart palpitations.
On-The-Go Changing Clutch
I am the queen of back seat diaper changes. With family spread across the country we are no strangers to a casual 8-18 hour road-trip. Unfortunately I’m also no stranger to changing a horrific in-car diaper blowout. The pad inside this clutch is long and wide and gives me plenty of room to change even a bigger baby. The pad can be unzipped from the rest of the pouch which is great for cleaning and there are three pockets to stash your necessities. While I love my diaper bag, there are certain times when I just need a diaper and a spare outfit popped inside my own handbag. This bad boy is the one for you if you’re longing to use your own handbag once again.
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What product saved your life through toddlerhood?
P.S. If you’re currently in the newborn stage, here’s some tips to survive the first season of motherhood
