You are always welcome to say “no thank you”

My baby girl is one of the best deflectors I know…

Mama girl: Are you ready to talk about why you were in a time out?

Baby girl: Sun beam song?

Mama girl: Baby, are you listening to me? It’s not kind to hit mama…

Baby girl: La la la la la…..

So, when I went to talk to her after a recent time out I really expected more of the same. She was sent to time out for not listening. I sat down in front of her and started talking with her.

Me: Baby girl you need to listen to your mama…

Baby girl: …

Me: You are always welcome to say “no thank you…”

Baby girl: No tank you mama, no tank you daddy?

Me: Yes, but sometimes we need to do that activity even if you don’t want to. But I will always stop to talk about it if you say “no thank you.”

Baby girl: …

Me: Do you know that I love you? And, want you to be safe and happy?

Baby girl: Yyyyyes!

Me: (Wheepy) Can I give you a hug?

***Best baby hug ensues***

It is so rewarding to watch that little girl’s wheels turn or see her look me in the eyes and really listen to me. My interactions with her pull at heartstrings I never even knew I had.

Having that baby love in my life has its advantages. For instance, getting those hugs and snuggles melts away even the worst days. Yet, I will admit it has its drawback too… Now when I watch Inside Out I silently weep because the main character was growing up (yes, that was during the first 10 minutes of the film… parenting is rough).

My baby girl turned 2 last week. I am so happy and proud of her growth and development. Yet, I already feel a loss for the special moments that I share with her. The times she fell asleep on my chest, her screaming for joy when I come home or me recognizing that she is singing “the wise man built his house upon a rock…”

I have the best family in the world and am so happy for it!