Terrible Twos

Baby Andrew was a challenge. He drooled all over, screamed, didn't eat, was cranky, wouldn't sleep... you name it. Of course, we were also first time parents so we didn't know that this odd & exhausting behavior usually was directly related to teething. Then all of the sudden a beautiful new white crown would pop through those gums & we would sigh in relief that this wasn't just a new phase in our little one.

Rebecca was easier to peg (since we had a clue). With a little ibuprofen before bed & usually a quick rub of Orajel to counteract the screaming around 3 a.m., we made it through just fine.

Teresa was a breeze. Sure, she would get a little clingy (which I loved since she's not generally that way), only want to drink & eat yogurt, & sometimes would cry in her sleep, but that was pretty much it. She rarely even got the ibuprofen & managed just fine.

But now we have encountered the terrible twos... two-year molars that is. ( The motherly mind is a marvelous thing & I somehow forgot just a couple of short years later that teething isn't really just a year-long endeavor... it's like... eight. ) She now has all those not-so-lovely tendencies & more. Specifically, between teething & potty-training, she wakes up over & over & over again at night running to me for solace. And, no, we haven't been as quick to medicate because we just never have with her... that & she'd probably bite my finger off in the process. ;) I feel like we have a newborn for as often as we've been up at night! But, this too will pass. It's another chance to savor those toddler snuggles & offer up the sleep disruption for one more special intention. My list is pretty long, but I bet you're on there. Praying for you tonight. =]

One through, three to go!