3/5 #SOL18 Welcome to Toddlerhood

Welcome to Toddlerhood

Toddlerhood

Noun

1. The state or time of being a toddler; early childhood

Above is the definition of toddlerhood according to dictionary.com. It really makes this stage of life seem simple, basic...uncomplicated. Having my own toddler, I have many thoughts on this phase:

Toddlers are very well versed at expressing their wants and needs in a way that is really only acceptable during early childhood. Screams, grunts, and tantrums are a regular part of  their daily routine, usually in response to that very dangerous object that the toddler REALLY must have.

Toddlers are also good at running away. This is especially true when their parents are trying to change their diapers, put their coat on, or get them in the bath. Running away is a lot of fun, if you're the one doing the running away. 

Toddlers have a keen sense of when you are in a hurry. This is the time they pour the dog's bowl of water on their shirt, stick their hand in the toilet, or throw their shoes down the laundry shoot. 

But toddlers also are emerging from the baby stage and on the front end of independence. Tiny teeth fill their once gummy mouths. Crawling is a thing of the past. Feeding themselves is a major win (except when they eat that gummy bear they found in the aisle of Target).

Toddlers can also fit perfectly on a lap, their tiny heads hitting the very bottom of your chin. Their skin is still soft and new and (most of the time) a hint of baby smell can still be found. Their little arms are long enough to hug you now and big, slobbery kisses are planted on your face by surprise.   

Dictionary.com had an OK definition of toddlerhood. I think a better one might go like this:

Toddlerhood

Noun

1. The state or time of being a completely irrational tiny human that toys with their parents' emotions sending them into states of extreme joy and frustration; a very short time in one's life that will pass in the blink of an eye