“The longer we parent, the better we get at this role change. It's not just about learning to discipline well; it's about learning that love is made real when it is tested, in the times we have to be someone we never thought we would be.” The Magic of Motherhood by Ashlee Gadd

Introduction:

Motherhood is a beautiful yet sometimes overwhelming experience. There are days when I feel like I'm breaking and then days when the love that comes with being a mom just overflows. Recently, our home has been filled with the independent spirit of our twin toddlers, presenting itself in the most frustrating but also the most adorable ways. We've officially reached toddler independence, and it's both a challenge and an incredible joy to witness and experience.

We have reached toddler independence at our house, which presents in the most frustrating and adorable ways. As any mother knows, motherhood can break you some days and then make you overflow with love within moments.

One of the girls has taken it upon herself to be Santa Claus since finding an empty amazon gift bag. Toting it over her shoulder with all her precious things saying, "Ho ho ho, Merry Christmas." Never mind, it is now almost march she is still celebrating Christmas. I could never imagine how many possessions she could pack in the bag, but I found out quickly.

I do shift work at the hospital, so to say nap time is exceptionally precious would be an understatement. It was at this time that I was getting them both into bed. The usual bathroom stop, pull-ups changed, and hug and kiss were requested and completed. What was so unexpected was my daughter's tedious task of unpacking each item from her Santa bag. She then carefully arranged it in her toy kitchen.

"My hotdog!" placing it on the shelf.

"Bacon," fidgeting with her wallet and sliding the bacon inside.

Shoes were slowly taken off and placed precisely on the floor.

Her pink purse was zipped shut, with both straps hung on the spoon hook.

"Paper!" torn pieces placed in the sink.

"Don't forget the mooooon," as I was reaching to turn it on.

My nap time clock was growing shorter and shorter with each request, and my body was screaming for sleep.

Her sister had long ago crawled into bed and was settling into sleep, and I bent over to say, "just a little nap." She said, "It's so comfy,' pulling her blanket to her chin. Her big brown eyes stared at me with all the love they could hold, and she said, "I love you, mommy. " I love you too."

I heard her continue, "And, grammy, daddy,' as I walked toward the door, I heard her say, and Kaleb." Who is a neighbor boy she adores and only sees once every few months. I chuckled as I pulled the door closed.

All the fleeting annoyance and exhaustion had melted with just one look and a few words. At that moment, all the sourness of the day had vanished. Toddlerhood is sweet and sour; I wouldn't trade it for anything. I love my sour patch twins.