I have a love/hate relationship with the age of 2..

What I mean by this is simple...

Some days I love the age where my son can talk and play and interact with me more than he ever has.

Then, there are other days where I hate the attitude and uncontrollable emotions that also come along with this age..

Over the weekend we had my side of the family's pre-Thanksgiving dinner at my Uncle's house. Beforehand I knew that my husband wouldn't be able to come with me because he ended up having to work. I was fully prepared (both mentally and with books and toys and whatever else that would be of interest for my toddler to stay tantrum free) to handle this on my own.

The drive there was fine. I was hoping that Nicolas would nap in the car because it was about a 45 minute drive. No such luck until I was close to my exit.

That was my indicator. I was "in" for it. I know my son like the back of my hand. If he doesn't get his nap, it's his way or no way! PERIOD! There's no reasoning with him, there's no bribing him, nothing.

When we got there we immediately ate. Well, I ate. Nicolas wanted to go outside and play. Not normally a huge deal except for the fact that my Uncle has a pool. I hurried and scarfed my food down so I could grab Raegan and head outside. On my way to the door, my little cousin's run up to me telling me that Nicolas almost just fell in the pool!

GREEEEAAAAATT!

I continue to head outside so I can watch him and keep him clear of the water. But of course whatever his cousin's were playing with, he wanted. So at that point I had to watch and make sure he didn't chuck something at them. (His latest discovery, he knows that by throwing something at someone stirs up a reaction, JOY!)

Then it happened. Meltdown city. Over what? I couldn't even tell you aside from him not being able to play with something or other.

Let me tell you, if you've never had to discipline a toddler while holding a 5 month old, I can only tell you that's it's quite the sight I'm sure!

Luckily, right in that moment my wonderful cousin offered to hold Raegan for a bit and her husband offered to watch my (in the moment) monster of a child.

Thank the Lord!

I went and regrouped.

The rest of the gathering didn't go without more tantrums or crying but at least I have the best family in the world who understand. And, have "been there" with their own kids. And weren't shy to offer help. I also have a very very awesome best friend/ sister who I can text in the middle of hiding my emotion from everyone because I feel super overwhelmed. I can count on her to talk me through anything, anytime.

She sent me this text and it was just what I needed in that very moment.

Although this age is notoriously known for being hard to handle, I've come to realize it will never just stop at the age. The problems may get greater or more elaborate and it's a matter of how I handle them. How I keep sane, how to look at the bigger picture if there is one, and how to not be afraid to ask for help.

This is a learning experience for me as a parent as well as for Nicolas as a person. We're both in the mindset of "how do we get our point across?" It may not be easy but the more calm I remain the more efficient we are able to take control of the situation.

Communication is key in any relationship and with a 2 year old that may be sometimes hard. I just have to keep in mind that we will survive and get through this stage together.

I love my son more than anything and from that day forward all I can do as his mom is be patient and try to maintain vision of the greater picture instead of the tantrum at hand.