Joy and Laughter

Despite my recent grumblings on what a challenge Ginny, my two-year-old, can be, she really is quite sweet, entertaining, and funny. Ginny lights up any room when she has a smile on her face. Her giggles are quite contagious. She brings more smiles into my life than frustration. It is understandable for a two-year-old to have melt downs and tantrums. They are so little, not quite able to fully communicate, and crave independence. That combination can lead to fireworks, but it can also lead to smiles and joy as they reach new milestones and gain in their vocabulary.

My Little Helper

One way Ginny likes to assert her independence, of late, is by being a little helper around the house. Recently, she has discovered great joy in putting things in the trash. She is so proud of herself and how she can help out. The other day, she was playing with some bowls in the kitchen and decided to "set" the table, putting bowls where each of us sit at meal times. She has even tried helping us unload the dishwasher, and is learning to put away her toys every day.

Ginny bringing me my Boppy

The one job Ginny takes the most pride in is being the Boppy gate keeper. I use a Boppy when I nurse Grace. Every morning, once Ginny is awake and dressed, she comes in my room, gets the Boppy, and brings it to my chair in the living room. She started doing this job not long after Grace was born, when she was around 20 months old. Not only will she bring it to my chair in the morning, she has to bring it to me when I need it to nurse Grace. If I don't ask Ginny to get me the Boppy, even if it is right next to me, she will have a mini-meltdown. There have been times where I have taken the Boppy off of me, put it back on the floor only to have Ginny hand it to me. My only issue with Ginny's job is that she really does see the Boppy as hers and that I need to ask permission to use it. In the past week, when I have asked her for the Boppy, the following exchange often happens:

Me: "Ginny, can you give me the Boppy, please?"

Ginny (comes over and grabs the Boppy): "No, Boppy." 

She then runs off with Boppy and refuses to give it to me.

Eventually, I do get the Boppy with no ensuing tears, but Ginny now sees herself as the gate keeper of the Boppy.

The Hugging Game

While we were on vacation, Ginny created a new game. It started simply enough. She was across the room from me, threw her arms open wide, then said, "Mommy." At that moment, she ran to me, hugged me, and gave me a kiss. I loved it! I loved the unsolicited hug and kiss! My heart soared. Once we were done with the hug and kiss, Ginny turned around and went back across the room. Then, she turned and looked at me, threw her arms open wide, said, "Mommy!" and ran into my arms again. She did this over and over again. I lost count, but I didn't care. I loved this game.

After we got back home, I figured the game was forgotten, and it would be just a pleasant memory. Then, yesterday after a day of ups and downs with Ginny, she started the game again. This time, after giving me a hug and a kiss, she went into the office and did the same for her daddy, then went back to me. Over and over again. I must say that the hugging game must be one of the best games in the world!

So, despite all the struggles and tantrums of my toddler, Ginny brings me so much joy! She loves so purely and unconditionally. I am one lucky and happy mommy!