Why didn’t anyone tell me my baby girl is now a toddler girl?
When exactly did this happen? Where was I? (In the kitchen doing the dishes, most likely.)
There wasn’t a certificate to mark the transition. Like: Congratulations, Harper Lane! You’ve successfully completed the Baby Course of Life. You are now a Toddler (watch out for those stairs and good luck navigating zippers).
And there definitely wasn’t a ceremony for me. I didn’t get to strut across a giant stage, all eyes on me, wearing a horrible gown and attempting to make that weird hat look cute.
I realize they’re called “toddlers” when they begin toddling around. But, here are some other signs that make it undeniable my baby girl is no longer a baby:
Suddenly, there are opinions. A lot of them. And if something doesn’t go exactly her way, we will hear about it.
She runs. Everywhere. Wasn’t it just yesterday that I was cheering her on and bribing her to learn how to walk?
She puts her hands on her hips.
She understands (surely way more than I realize) what we’re saying. And repeats it. In public.
She is obsessed with teenage girls.
She can grab things off counters. Things that were once safe have now been eaten, thrown, torn apart (and then eaten again).
She can open drawers (see above for expected result).
She can open doors (which I recently discovered while going to the bathroom, thankyouverymuch).
She has an agenda. Not like “coffee date with Mia at noon” agenda, but more of the manipulation sort. Throw in a couple of fake cries and a few dramatic coughs for good measure and she’s got us wrapped around her tiny digit.
She can say her name. Sure it sounds like “Hawpo” and always makes me think of Oprah, but still.
She’s a bookworm and has her favorites. She even likes to steal mine and “read” them. (This makes me happy to no end.)
She engages with Scout. And by “engages” I mean she hurls any object within her reach at him, and laughs maniacally when it just misses his bony little frame. (Scout’s not a big fan of the toddler stage, it seems.)
She spends endless time playing with my toiletries, heels, bracelets and cosmetics. (Now if I can just get her to stop eating my eyeliner by the time she graduates from Toddlerhood, that’d be helpful for all involved.)
She says calls us “mama” and “dada” and is hands down the best snuggler in the entire world.
She has a personality. She’s determined, silly, loving, compassionate and smart.
Although I wasn’t entirely prepared for this whole toddler thing, I sure am loving (almost) every minute of it. But, you can slow down now, baby girl…
And yes, despite stage or season, I will continue to call her baby girl for the rest of my days.
omgsh adorable picture! I’ll be sure to share with my fellow mom-friends!!! <3
Thank you, Sabrina!
Aww…Harper is growing up! Unfortunately, there’s no way to slow this process down so just enjoy it and thanks for participating in lasts weeks feature.
Thank you, Dasha! I appreciate the feature and absolutely loved it! xo
Adorable!! Harper Lane is such a great name! <3
Thanks, Cara! Lane is a family name and I knew I wanted to use it somehow 🙂
Time definitely passes way too quickly, especially when it comes to our little ones! It’s so adorable to see their little personalities come out at this stage. If only there was a pause button!!
Yes! Sometimes I’d like a pause button, and yet other times I feel like I need a fast forward button. But, then I’m sure I would want to rewind. Just give me the whole remote. 🙂
I’m in the toddler stage too, and it shocks me all the things my son picks up everyday, both physically and developmentally. It’s a busy, fast paced ride but worthwhile commemorating.
I’m so with you – it’s crazy how much and how quickly they learn! Which is exactly why my husband has to clean up the language. Haha 😉
lol… even after 4 babies… I tend to forget when it comes that time. But, who’s to say what you deem your baby to be lol In my world… until they are 2 years of age… they are still crowned “the baby” 🙂 The 1st year of life goes sooooo fast! My twinzies just turned 12months and I think God may be showing me some grace because he is not rushing my babies too fast lol They still get into things, but they still allow Mommy to cuddle and baby talk in their ears. Sweet Moments… Enjoy!
So sweet! Baby cuddles are the absolute best. I hope Harper always lets me cuddle her, too 🙂
Besides the whole potty training thing, the toddler stage is my favorite!!! Watching all the new things they can do, say and learn daily is just amazing…truly wish I could freeze time!
It really is so much fun. We haven’t gotten into the potty training thing yet – yikes! 😉
Oh, mama. I am so here with you. Crazy how they turn into their own people. This is when we really have to start trusting that we’re giving them the right tools to navigate the world… Their world. Happy Toddlerhood! <3
This is really sweet, even though I’m sure very difficult too. I have a 3 month old and am getting the first developmental milestones now. I can’t fathom the day when she’s running around and expressing her opinions. It gives me a huge smile to think about it, but it also makes me a little sad to know she’s going to grow up and won’t be my little baby forever.