Celebrating 2 Years of SuperBoy and 10 Lessons

SuperBoy is 2 years old. I cannot imagine life without him. We celebrated with a small party of his three best friends and his little cousins–and a few of his big people friends. I made delicious agave sweetened dairy free cupcakes. Num! In celebration of his first birthday, I wrote this post {5 Changes in the Last Year}. I’ve learned even more about parenting, SuperBoy, and myself in the last year. They can be summed up in these 10 lessons:

1) I’ve learned that parenting is a continually changing experience. Some days you love it. Some days you hate it. Some days you want to move and leave no forwarding address. Most days your heart is full of love. And, once a parent, always a parent.

2) I’ve learned that if you approach parenting as a job that you want measurable results in and earn high review ratings at, you’re in for a sorry surprise. If you hope for a smooch from a toddler and a smile from a baby, you have a better chance at satisfaction.

3) I’ve  learned that two children are better than one. And to watch your elder child share love with the younger is precious beyond measure.

4) I’ve learned that it’s better to understand SuperBoy’s moods than to try to control them.

5) I’ve learned that SuperBoy is a very gentle soul who is passionate about small things, like baseball cards and dates stuffed with walnuts.

6) I’ve learned that he prefers showering with his Dada above and beyond any other form of bathing, and that, like me, he’d prefer not to bathe at all.

7) I’ve learned that I’m slow to anger, but quick to cry as a frustrated mama.

8) I’ve learned that the day may never go as planned, but some things are certain: multiple poopie diapers and a game of baseball with at least one time of listening to the Jungle Book on tape.

9) I’ve learned that blogging and Etsy are wonderful outlets for me–and that you can make time for anything that you value, even as a parent of 2, 2 and under.

10) I’ve learned that quiet evenings, post bedtime, with AA on the patio, are the best kind of nights out.

Our celebration day:

 

Come visit my girlfriend’s blog: Small Town Simplicity and Mindful Mothering Mondays