I keep telling everyone that the transition from one child to two was most difficult for me. While I do believe that was true logistically, I don't ever remember feeling this stressed out and crazy. The stress, though, has less to do with the fact that there are three kids and more to do with their ages and stages. It feels like all Nate and Lucy do is fight. I've been talking a lot with them about having a kind heart toward one another (instead of just saying, "Stop taking toys! Stop yelling!"). Nate has been having some trouble obeying at school. I have my own theories on the causes of his misbehavior, but ultimately there is no excuse and he should be obeying. This causes me a lot of angst, as I'm trying to find the right way to discipline for things I myself don't witness but still want to discourage (that is a whole different post). Lucy is in the middle of being very two. Everything feels like a fight with her, from putting on clothes to the carseat to juice. Levi is in a fussy stage (teething? reflux?) and is still not sleeping through the night. I started giving him his Zantac again last night; I had stopped giving it to him about a month ago because he didn't seem to need it anymore and I hate putting medicine in his body anyway. But perhaps his fussiness is the reflux returning. Anyway, yes I'm feeling stressed and a bit overwhelmed.
In the midst of all of it, though, I keep trying to remember what everyone tells me: I will probably miss this stage the most. Nate says the funniest things. Lucy is maybe the cutest 2 year old I've ever known. Levi is so pudgy and squishy. If they all would just be quiet! :)
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5 comments:
katie. maybe we should hang out with our naughty kids all together. No seriously. Israel is in a stage too. I keep reminding myself that the Lord has a purpose for their generation. Being strong willed, stubborn & authoritative in their words is a spiritual gift for the spiritual battle and world that they will be emerged in later. However when these same attributes come out in the words of a two/four year old they are so hard. I have been asking the Lord how to train my children so that these traits can be a positive and not a negative. It is so hard but worthwile.
Katie, I remember this stage even though mine didn't have any phycsical problems. It's over whellming when each one has a different problem that you want to solve. Just hang in there and I proomise, it will get better. L&K N
I LOVE what Katchen said. It is curbing that passionate spirit to do what is right that is the challenge. We don't want to crush their will, but thinking creatively about how to deal with it when you are sleep deprived and juggling 3 is a challenge all it's own. We are mama warriors, refusing to just let our children act out their sinful natures without consequence. Hang in there girlie, I'm right there with ya!
You're so good to think of the positive things....I totally feel you! I am refereeing ALL DAY--it seems the only time they get along is at night when we put them to bed and they are supposed to be going to sleep. For some reason, they laugh, giggle, sing, and talk to each other. It is so cute, and makes the fact that they are not sleeping easier.
One thing that I have had to do with both of my girls is let them have choices for everything--but with my rules--you may chose this shirt or this one. Do you want to walk to the car, or have me carry you. Do you want cheese or chicken? It gives them ownership of decisions, even if they are not happy with the results always. It doesn't mean that it's always easier--there's still tantrums (grin)! I'm there with Elena right now, too. Along with Averie's stage...It's so hard to be a good mama sometimes...for everything there is a season--praise God, huh?
all I can add with my vast 6 weeks of mommy knowledge...LOL:):):) is it seems that every stage WILL GET BETTER and it's so easy to say "enjoy it because it will fly by" but I'm really thinking that's true! I'm so sorry your feeling overwhelmed & stressed, no fun. but this to shall pass:)and they are so stinkin' cute:):):)
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