So is this really as good as it gets?

[kfcboston]

DH and I were just discussing today in the car one of the well-meaning but must annoying and depressing things experienced parents say to us. They see our young infant sleeping away in the stroller, or otherwise caught in a cute moment, and they'll say "oh, be sure to enjoy this time! These are the best times. You'll look back on them fondly." They inevitably have a toddler in tow. I find that to be a real downer, and makes me feel like I have nothing to look forward to!! I know the toddler years can be tough, and I've seen many longing references back to infanthood on these boards. But I WANT to look forward to every year of DS's life, not dread them!

[egoldber]

I always find that my "favorite" age is whatever age Sarah is currently! While the infant days are definitely easier, they are not necessarily more fun. I love being with Sarah now. She is such a little joy. She tries to sing, she dances, she plays pretend, wants to dress herself, reads books to her dolls and animals. I think my favorite thing in the world is her walking down the street holding hands with me and DH. It's so sweet I want to cry.

So while it does get harder, I also think it just gets better and better.

Now, there a lot of people who have raised toddlers that are terrors. And while even the best of toddlers have their moments, there are things you can do to try and prevent that. But if I had a toddler that threw a tantrum every time I told her that she couldn't have a toy she wanted at Target (not that it doesn't happen occasionally), it probably wouldn't be much fun.

HTH,

[trumansmom]

Toddlerhood is WONDERFUL!!! I was just watching DS sleep this afternoon and thinking how amazing it is that he gets more and more wonderful everyday! Truman is a little over 18 months, and it is so cool watching him run and climb on things and to hear him yelling "Mommeeeee"! It's the greatest thing in the world.

So, where you are now is the greatest time you can possibly be having - yet. Toddlers can be a challenge, but watching them grow up and literally see them learning every single day is amazing. Please don't let people discourage you. I think people think it's "cool" to act all put out by their toddlers, but there are many, many rewards to be had!

Jeanne
Mom to Truman 11/29/01

[stillplayswithbarbies]

Every age is the best age. I still find myself saying that with my 12 year old. "This is the best age". It just gets better and better as time goes by. There is always something new. :)

...Karen
Jacob Nathaniel 2/27/91
Logan Elizabeth 3/25/03

[emilyf]

I have had similar thoughts, it's fun to look forward to each stage but hard to imagine him any cuter than he is now. I have a friend who said she always feels sorry for people who don't have kids her kids' age. When they were newborns, she thought everyone should have one. Now her daughter is 11, and she feels sorry for every household without an eleven year old.
Emily
mom of Charlie born 11/02

[stella]

It's not as good as it gets, but it may be as easy as it gets.

Little babies just are a little less trouble than toddlers - they stay where you put them, don't challenge you when you decide that they can't have something, are easily distracted, can be nursed into submission (at least mine could be), can't talk back.

But like everyone else has said, they can't just spontaneously kiss you. They can't scream "yay!!" when you finally "get" what they want and go into the kitchen to get them that cookie, they can't jump in puddles jsut to see what it feels like - they are tiring, it's true, but they are such a joy in so many ways.

Really, every stage is a lot of fun. And in my brief (2 year) experience, the next fun development is always just around the corner!

[MartiesMom2B]

Katie:

So glad you ask this. If I had a dollar that everyone looked at her admiringly and then said "Wait till she gets mobile" or "Wait until she's a toddler" we'd have Martie's college fund already. I know that I should enjoy her at each stage and not keep looking forward to the next stage, but I can't wait until she says "Mommy" or laughs or even sit on her own. I'm sure that I'll love every stage that she is in though. When she first came home I whispered to her, "please stay this small" but now I love when I smile at her and she smiles back.

I'm happy to hear all the positive things from other mommies. It seems like each time I see my SIL she says how horrible it is when you kid is _________ (fill in current age of nephew). She even told me that I would regret having a baby b/c its so hard. Yes I hate the fact that I know that after the first showing of Conan O Brian that last weeks Jay comes on followed by last weeks Conan, but I don't regret having her, and I am sure that as many challenges there are as she grows up there will be just as many if not more rewards.

Sonia
Proud Mommy to Martie 4/6/03

I have felt this way many times! I think the one I get most frequently is, 'Oh, you just wait until he's a teenager.' Well you know what, I'm not even thinking about that right now! I'm not convinced that some of these people that say these things tried to enjoy every moment like I am doing right now. And when he is a teenager, I would imagine that whatever happens, I'll be able to say he's such a joy to have around. Parenting gives us all emotions and challenges, but how can you not see the joy in it even when going through those challenges????

Mary & Lane 4/6/03
http://www.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=...21b33928e40550

My eldest is almost 8, and I have to wholeheartedly agree with, whatever age they are, that's the best age to be.

Honestly, I love the tiny infant stage, but there are so many more amazing stages that follow, I can't even explain how wonderful some of the things can be. My almost 8 year old is such a complete little person, it blows my mind. I look at my other children, and I see them following along behind her, and I know we're in for one terrific ride with every last one of them.

Just enjoy every day.......

[colleenfs]

I, too, keep finding myself saying, "This is such a fun age." Every month! So obviously, I am enjoying Julia more and more as time goes by. At 17 months, she is talking so much - there is a new word every day. She walks and runs and climbs. She has a lot of fun these days, and that makes me really happy. I just melt when she smiles at me and says, "mama." That is simply the BEST.

That said, I do miss the newborn stage. Little babies are just so intoxicating, and they smell so good! But I don't miss nursing every 2 hours and getting no sleep. Julia now sleeps @ 12-13 hours straight each night and naps @ 2.5 hours a day. I am finally getting some time to get back to the things that make me happy as "Colleen" and not simply as "mommy."

I'm sure we'll have tough times ahead as we enter the "terrible twos," but it is an important developmental step for every child to express their independence and their will. It too will pass, and then there will be another exciting phase to experience.

Enjoy EVERY minute!


Colleen
Mama to Julia 1-10-02