The Devil Wears 2T

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You can learn many things from children. 
How much patience you have, for instance. 

~ Franklin P. Jones

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 I am the mother of a two year old.  I've been through "terrible twos" before and I know the worst is yet to come...threes.  As a parent, I think this is possibly the cruelest joke.  You see, we get blessed with this nice, snugly, soft and sweet little infant.  An infant who needs you, emphatically.  They grow.  You smile.  You take photos.  You're blind to the fact that at some point, this human being will begin to talk, have their own thoughts, get defiant, and at times, not like you. 

 The girls had some money from grandpa that was just burning a hole in their non-existent pockets.  Therefore, we went shopping yesterday for a new toy.  I don't know about you, but when I go to Target, I can't NOT stop at the dollar spot.  So, on our excursion yesterday we found these big glow sticks with pieces that attach to make them objects.  It's no surprise that daughter of the year #2 picked the one you see in the photo.  It was very fitting for how the rest of the day would go.  

 After hours of screaming, crying, defiance, and arguing (and no, that wasn't from me) over anything and everything, it dawned on me...this must have been what it was like for my mother.  I know my brother and I didn't get along as kids.  In fact, I'd venture to guess we didn't really like each other until he went away to college.  My girls are nearly the same years apart in age.  I don't doubt they love each other, but I know right now, daughter of the year #1 doesn't much LIKE her sister.  

 While I miss that sweet baby who snuggled with me, I know I must prepare myself for the threes that are right around the corner.  I appreciate how daughter of the year #2 is growing, that she healthy and that, most of the time, she is a good child.  Even though, at times, it's a challenge to like her.   

 I've often joked that my mother's curse was that each of my siblings was blessed with a child just like us.  While daughter of the year #1 is TRULY my mini-me, daughter of the year #2 is the curse.  It shows in her pitchfork.  

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