Today I left Target almost emptyhanded. This hasn’t happened in quite some time. You see, Target is my safe place. My place where I can go and get an iced latte (and an apple juice box) and check things off my to-do list all while enjoying a leisurely stroll with my silly, quiet baby.
And then he became a toddler.
And then he decided he didn’t like the apple juice and he wanted the milk instead. And then he wanted cookies and the oranges in the buggy and he didn’t want to wear his shoes and where was his hat and Mommy BRADY DO IT!!
What.
Sigh. So long Target. I loved that you were my safe place. But somehow you became the place I dread because of THOSE LOOKS I get from others :) It’s funny, they aren’t the “you’re a horrible Mom looks.” Oh no. These are looks from mothers of older children who smile and sympathize. We’ll survive the WONDERFUL twos (I’m going to “act the way I want to feel” here). Sometimes I think I can’t go anywhere anymore and that he’s seriously entering those “behavior blackout dates” where you just stay home and brave it out. But the more we get him into social situations and out in public, the more he grows and learns.
Teaching Brady about good behavior is challenging but it’s so much fun when you see him “get it.” For instance, when someone speaks to him, he is very, very polite. Sometimes when he meets someone new, he reaches out to shake their hand. We learned this from a friend of ours whose little son reached out to shake Bryan’s hand in Chick Fil A one day. We were floored and very impressed with this little Southern gentleman. But I smile now knowing it probably wasn’t easy for his Mama to teach him to be so well behaved in public.
Have you ever thought about how funny it is that one of the most trying times with a child is one of the most AMAZING times as well. They’re learning boundaries and patience and self control but they’re also learning WORDS! And making friends! And learning how to love :)
I’m also learning right along with Brady. I’m learning that he will always test his Mama more than anyone else as he begins to understand his role in our family and the way we behave at home or away from home. That’s hard on my heart sometimes, but I’m really grateful for good friends who cheer me on all the way.
This weekend begins Potty Training Weekend (we are gently attempting the three-day method). Brady has been “ready” for months, but we’ve been nervous. So we’re diving in tomorrow morning! We’ll be on lock down at our house, so wish us the best!
Happy weekend friends!
xo,
Emily
PS: Our experience entering the WONDERFUL TWOs was the inspiration behind our “great day BREAKFAST plates”! We’re working on bowls and mugs now too, so stay tuned!
Oh Emily Ley I swear we’re supposed to be best friends :) My safe & happy place is target as well. I’ve always enjoyed a leisurely stroll around target. I loved it when I was pregnant- looking at all the baby items over and over as random strangers stopped to congratulate me on my baby on the way. And when Davis was itty bitty bringing him in there and all the looks I would get from people. And they would tell me over and over to not blink because that time would be gone so soon. And now he’s starting to get squirmy when we stroll around target and does nice things like explodes in a diaper and we have to leave immediately. But I love all of it. You’ve made me excited for the ‘wonderful two’s’ and have also made me pause and soak in the stage we’re in now. You’re a wonderful mother and Brady is so lucky to have you!
oh those terrible twos! my girl is almost 3 and i’m hoping there’s an expiration date on those terrible twos soon! :)
prayers for you for potty training weekend. potty training was the hardest thing i think i’ve done thus far as a mom.
I am right there with you! I still take my little B to places such as Target, Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s, but I go in knowing that we may or may not make it out with the things we are there for. I let my expectations go and try to do my best and go armed with “tricks” as I call them—you know, snacks, toys, songs, things to talk about and anything else that might keep him busy/occupied/behave while I quickly gather all of our family’s necessities. Oh what fun! But you’re right, this is also an amazing time with our littles! They are becoming independent and smart as can be and the talking. Oh the talking! I love it so much when B says please and thank you without any nudging. Amazing trying times!
We are in the TWOS also….definitely challenging but when Kaden looks up and says “cuddle mama” and then says “I wuv you”…I can’t stay mad.
Emily,
I’m right there with you too, my almost 2 year old was born Feb 28… Brady is around there too, right? She is my second one though so this time I’m going in armed with the knowledge that this DOES end, and magically one day you will be able to shop and eat dinner outside without the night ending in tears… your own tears that is :)
One thought that always helped me stay sane, and might help you too – you’re a first time mom, and he is a first time kid. Just like you, he is learning new skills. But he doesn’t have a pretty little blog like you do to write down his fears and frustrations :) So what does he do? He throws a fit and screams at his mama instead!
Makes complete sense when you think of it like that, right? :)
Jasmine
Emily, I love that you are so eager and mindful about getting Brady into all sorts of social situations so you can further explore an emphasize those boundaries. Smart mama – take two seconds to give yourself a pat on the back :)
Em, I can picture you telling this story and it makes me smile :) Heart you, friend!