The Truth

I don't often time to blog the truth. Not that I'm blogging lies, but I share what we've been up to, a few nice pictures, keep you in the loop, that sort of thing. There are many other deeper things I'd like to process through on here and I just never get the time to do so.

But, I've got some time now.

And the truth is....

Parenting is hard! Some days I don't even like my own kid. Why is he so rude/selfish/obnoxious/etc.? Much of the time he is hilarious, sweet, silly, imaginative, and smart. But he also wears my patience, exhausts me, hurts my feelings, and embarrasses me. No wonder it's hard for me to blog The Truth. I just said some terrible things! About my own pride and joy! Sigh.

But, I suppose it's our job as parents to teach them to be kind, respectful, helpful people, right? So I can't throw in the towel yet. And I can't expect my job to be done yet. It's going to take a lot of time for us to get there! Patience, consistency, kindness. I'm working on all of it.

He's starting to do well when I ask him to take care of his brother.

But man, there's a certain "three-ya-old" (as he says) who makes me daily question myself and if anything I'm doing is working.

And then I get those few-and-far-between snuggles and kisses and "I love you, Mama"'s and I know that deep down, he's just so much like me. He loves hard and fiercely, but he's independent and stubborn. He wants to be in charge and when things don't go as he hoped/planned/wanted, he panics. He's opinionated and demanding. He will not do as expected or desired simply because it's what's expected or desired (I think he gets that part from his Daddy too, haha!).

Smoothies, eggs, and pumpkin bars for breakfast!
Breakfast is one of the best parts of our day.

He's trying to learn about his world, his family, and how to interact with it all. Learning what makes him tick is what's going to help all of us get the most out of living life together. Learning about a person who hardly knows himself is challenging. But, it's the challenge I signed up for and that I desire to conquer. I will try to figure him out and figure out how best to meet his needs and continue to study him as long as I live.

It's hard. But I love it.

It's also hard knowing he can be irritating to others. I know family and friends get worn down by his stubbornness too. I hope and pray that they will also be patient with him. He'll come through this "tough phase," right?

Though I suppose that'll be right about the time my happy little drool-face will enter that phase. ;)

Love this happy baby!

Parents, what have you found to be your hardest parenting phase so far?