Don't get me wrong. Miss A is generally a peach and an absolute delight to be around, but lately...
It's like she is getting frustrated by being just old enough to comprehend so many things, but not old enough to make all the choices on her own. She wants to choose what to eat, where to go, what to listen to. She also seems to get really bothered if I don't do something quite the way she likes it: milk goes in the blue cup not the green cup, she wants two books on her bed not three, she does not want to listen to the new Lisa Hannigan cd, she wants LAURIE BECKNER, and "Mommy, why can't you remember that no one is allowed to touch my boppy pillow!!!"
It's rough for me as well. I go through many stages as a family member of someone in the Terrible Two's:
1. Laughter, because it is just so darned cute when she gets all huffy and puffy and tries to use big words.
2. Denial, because maybe she will just let it go without a fight this time.
3. Sympathy, because it really must be hard being two. I just don't remember much of it.
4. Anger, because seriously? Do you know what I did to get you into this world/pay for those toys/get this meal on the table.
5. Acceptance, because I know she will not be two forever. And I know I will miss these days terribly.
This excerpt from Olivia by Ian Falconer suits our situation well:
When they've finished reading, Olivia's mother gives her a kiss and says,
"You know, you really wear me out. But I love you anyway."
And Olivia gives her a kiss back and says,
"I love you anyway too."