Kendra and I were feeling a little down today because it seems like our efforts to guide Easton and Layla's growth is like talking to a brick wall. She says, "don't touch the blinds" and they immediately reach up and grab them. We KNOW they both understand what is being said and what they shouldn't do. It would be different if they were just babies and can't comprehend, but they are way too old and smart to fit that category. It feels like a willful act of disobedience even though we know they are really sweet toddlers with happy hearts and great character.
Then once in a while one of them will do something that puts a BIG smile on my face and displays their ability to do good and right. For example, Easton and I were walking to the car together and we passed a random bush with flowers on it. Easton stopped in his tracks and said, "can I pick a flower and give it to Momma?"
Moments like those (almost) make up for the repetitive, consistent teaching, discipline, and training we do day after day after day. I felt really bad for Kendra having such a long, rough day while I was at work. The best I could say was, "Sorry you had a tough day of disobedience... Just keep correcting and reinforcing as consistently as we are and it will eventually sink in."
This calls for a Way Back Whensday post so we can see just how far we've come with the twins. Two years ago this month:
Easton and Layla fit comfortably on GG's lap and were satisfied by books with one word on each page.
They fit in sleep sacks and didn't move when placed in Papa's chair.
Kendra let me dress them in matching pink and blue outfits. This is one of the things I miss most about the twins growing up. Guess what I want for Father's Day next year??? Easton and Layla in matching pink and blue outfits... and shoes.
Layla had yet to find her dominant trait and was still a sweet little peanut without any opinion or personal tastes.
Both of them drooled incessantly and only had 2 teeth each.
They weighed next to nothing and I could carry them for blocks at a time with ease. Opa can still do that because he's Mr. Muscle Man.
Some things are still the same as they were back then though. Easton still has the same bright smile and gentle heart.
Layla is still expressive and adventurous
Scott and Marisue are still holding twins (but now they have their own set of boys).
Easton and Layla still enjoy parks, feeding ducks, and being close to Mommy.
It's hard to believe 2 years have gone by since these pictures were taken, but I must admit the twins are even more fun to be around all the time. Some people say, "it gets easier as they get older", but I disagree. If anything toddlers are more difficult and energy-sapping than babies. However, with the difficulties come greater rewards such as voluntary acts of love and more interactive fun playtimes.
That's it for this edition of Way Back Whensday. See you in December!
2 comments:
It's just the age of Toddlers and leanring they are their own person. Although it is totally frustrating! Landon will look me square in the eye and then do said act that I just told him not to do (like touching the blinds). Drives me nuts, but all we can do is be consistent, right? - Hope you all had a nice Thanksgiving! Michaela
Thanks, Michaela. It is certainly a welcomed bit of sympathy from someone going through the same thing. Sometimes I scratch my head and wonder if i'm the only parent seeing rebellion and wondering how to squash it.
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