Revisiting The Toddler Years
I’d forgotten how trying those toddler years were. I’d forgotten how you’ve got to watch little ones constantly — that the impulse control isn’t there. I’d completely failed to remember that many toddlers teethe and explore their worlds by shoving objects in their mouths. And what about potty training? The accidents! And the nighttime calls for attention! I mean, my son is almost eight. So its been awhile since I’ve been a mom neck deep in that stage.
And then we got a puppy. I swore I’d never get a puppy — there were too many older dogs that needed homes and frankly, I didn’t want the hassle. But then I found out this puppy had been rescued and needed a home. He was underweight and had been neglected. Our dear friend Beth introduced us to him and within moments knew he was meant to be a part of our family.
Our son at once considered himself the puppy’s “father.” He currently refers to the husband and I as “grandma” and “grandpa.” Our old lady dog Abbey, is an “aunt.”
For the last 6 weeks, I’ve been struck by how much puppies are like toddlers. They are cuddly only they want to cuddle. They have temper tantrums (our puppy barks at us when we tell him ‘no’) and they are never ready for bed when you are.
I’d given away the baby gates last summer, resigning myself to the fact that there would probably be no more babies or toddlers in our future. I didn’t realize I’d be wrong. He’s not the kind of baby I’d hoped for and ached for year ago. But still, we laugh at his antics, we marvel at his emerging personality and we are grateful he’s come into our lives. He may only be 9 pounds right now, but he’s 109 pounds of attitude! He brings a whole new energy to our family — one we hadn’t realized was missing.
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