Other parents love to tell you their opinions about the phases of childhood, and it’s a mixed bag. They either want you to savor the phase you’re in because it’s “the best” or they warn you against an impending doom that comes with the next phase. I think one of the most common phrases I’ve heard from other parents is, “Just wait until…”

Chloe was a star baby. She was a great eater, great sleeper and generally quite content. As she’s gotten older, encountering new experiences such as solid food, daycare, etc., she’s taken everything in stride.

I’ll be honest, I carry a bit of smugness when it comes to my daughter. I generally believe her to be highly adaptable and unfazed by much. And I’m proud of that, though I’m pretty sure it’s just her personality and not my spectacular parenting skills…

However, as we get closer to her second birthday, I am seeing her begin to experience some of the classic toddler feelings – she wants to do everything on her own, but isn’t quite able to yet. She has strong opinions on things simply for the sake of having the opinion and wanting to exert control. She is starting to become more physical, which can also play out when she is frustrated as hitting whoever is nearby.

It’s fun!

In all honesty, it’s a more challenging time for sure, but I also feel like having an understanding of the toddler brain and knowing what to expect (to a certain extent) has made the beginning of this transition a bit easier.

I’m a bit of a control/neat freak, so it’s a challenge for me, but I’ve decided to just let her try the thing herself. Can I do it more quickly? Absolutely. But is it good for her to try and do it herself? Yep!

Last night, she wanted avocado and insisted on eating it out of the skin rather than let me scoop it out. But, to her credit, she ate the entire half and there was nary a speck of green to be found once she finished!

I often find myself being surprised at what she is capable of. I forget that she isn’t just my baby but is a little person who is learning and growing every day. I get such a kick out of watching her do something for the first time or figure something out that she’s been working on. The messy table and bits of avocado all over the floor were a small price to pay to watch Chloe clean that baby out with a big spoon!

So, while this next chapter may be harder than others that came before, I think it will be a good lesson for me in releasing control, not sweating the small stuff, and embracing discovery and play. And any time I feel like I might be starting to lose my mind, I’ll just try to focus on how adorable this kid is.