Today, as I shopped around Sam’s Club with the twins by myself (yes, I’m patting myself on the back right now,) there was another woman with twin boys. Her boys looked to be about 12 or 13. One was walking ahead, and the other hanging on the cart. She asked if my boys were twins. I said yes, and then I asked her if it got easier. She said, “Yes. It gets much easier, but that’s the age (pointing to my guys) that I miss the most.” I smiled, and we both kept shopping.
It got me to thinking about what I would miss from this toddler stage. It’s easy to think of both things I will miss and things I will definitely not miss about having toddlers.
Here is the NOT list:
Sippy Cups Oh how I hate the sippy cup. Either they leak, they are too hard to get the milk out of, or they are missing the top. How come we have 80 cups and only 10 lids? They take up way too much room in the dish washer, refrigerator, and cupboard. And someone is always complaining that they want a different color cup. Plus, they seem to disappear in the living room or the car. My boys are always drinking milk, so you DON’T want to find those stinky cups.
Diapers and Wiping Notice I did not say “wipes” because I LOVE those and will never be done with them. It’s the wiping and changing that I will not miss. I also won’t miss the thousands of $$$$$ spent on diapers throughout the years. Even with all the coupons, sales, Cartwheel, Amazon Mom discounts, etc. diapers are still darn expensive.
Frustration Communication I can’t understand what they want. They can’t understand what I am asking. They can’t understand why I can’t understand what they are saying. Everyone ends up in tears.
Those Darn Little Socks Seriously. I think my washer eats half of them, and my dryer eats the rest. Or there stuck into a pair of their PJ’s. Or in mine. Or stuck behind something. I know the problem of missing socks will continue, but at least they’ll be big enough to see.
Running Away This seems to be a favorite thing to do right now. They like to run into the street. Especially in different directions. It’s scary and make me panic.
What WILL I miss?
Probably everything else about them being toddlers and being little. Being able to snuggle on mommy’s lap. Being able to snuggle both twins on mommy’s lap at the same time…although this is getting tough. The cute ways they say things. Their sweet smiles. Their naughty smiles. Their excitement about cars, trains, and the color red (I’m not sure either.) The way they hug, which is more of a lean in. The way they kiss, which is more of a lean in.
And especially the way they say “Mommy,” when they first see me in the morning. That’s my favorite.
Katie says
It’s crazy to think about but when your baby is big you will miss all the silly things that frustrates you. Just the other day I happened on a newborn diaper and I was just so sad because my babies are so big and I thought, I miss that. Well, probably not the money I’ve spent on diapers over the years, but the tiny feet, soft coos and little clothes.
But in all reality I do have a solution to the sock problem! A while back I got a small mesh bag (you can get them anywhere) and I put all of my little socks in it and washed clothes. I didn’t loose a single one! Haha.
Shann says
Love it! I will definitely try the mesh bag! Thank you for reading.
Christine - The Choosy Mommy says
I seriously can’t wait for the running away to stop. I want to be able to price compare and find good deals without having to keep one eye on my child or a tight grip on her. I think people are CRAZY that say they miss this age now but I know when she is older I will probably say the same thing. Time goes by too fast 🙁 <3 Christine, The Choosy Mommy, http://www.choosykids.blogspot.com
Shann says
Yes, it does go by too fast. However, children staying put and/or listening will be welcomed!
Lisa Nolan says
Loved it! Your post brought back memories! I miss the naps, LOL! My son has special needs, so the toddler years were “extended” for us! LOL! Pinned and shared on Facebook to my Montessori mom peeps!
Shann says
Thank you so much! Our nap time is coming to an end very soon…I’m very, VERY sad about that.
Chanity says
The frustration communication cracked me up! I am going through this with my 2 year old and there are often times we both really end up in tears, lol!
Shann says
Isn’t it the worst? This too shall pass. 🙂
Lauren says
SOCKS! Yes… I will not miss the daily search for socks. I will miss everything else though.. I am savoring it all now. 🙂
Shann says
I have a whole bin that I bring out to sort while I’m watching laundry. My husband makes fun of me.
Natasha says
So funny! I love shopping at Sam’s with my twinsies too. The carts are just made for twin moms! There are so many things I’ll miss about this age (almost 3), mostly the cute language. And totally things I won’t miss either, I’m with you on sippy cups and dumping poop from the little potty to the big potty. Keep on keeping on sista!
Ashley says
I am so with you on the sippy cup thing, I don’t know where all of the lids (and stoppers??!) go. Its insane. My older two are slowly winding down from that stage. Just in time for my third to enter it, I’m sure. 🙂
Shann says
I don’t envy you on that. Seriously, all the lids must be hiding with the extra socks somewhere. Thanks for reading!
Tricia @ Like I Said Lady says
The toddler years do have their hits and misses! I don’t have any children, but I am seven years older than my little sister, so I do indeed remember the struggles! One of the things my mom started, and they still do it around the house, is safety pinning sock pairs together. She would even just leave the safety pin on the socks while we wore them, that was it was effortless for us to repin our socks before washing them again! I don’t know if you want to start that, but it definitely saved us a lot of time because I swear my sister was naked for the first four years of her life (by choice)! We had to safety pin her into her clothes and crib! Toddler years sure do leave a lot of great memories though!! Good luck, and great post!
Shann says
That is a great idea! And so funny about your sister! Thanks for stopping by.
Trish says
This is all true 🙂 The thing I miss the most is when they used to fall asleep on my chest. That feeling of holding a sleeping baby while you watch them smile and grimace and make little noises. I didn’t appreciate that enough at the time. All I could think about was transferring them to their crib so I could do laundry or dishes or take a shower. I wish I’d just sat there and enjoyed it more often.
Shann says
Oh yes! That is a GREAT one. My twins never really slept on me, but my oldest did, and I used to love it. I remember not wanting to let go of him those first few months. I just loved his baby smell and warmth. Thanks for sharing!
Velaundra{at}Velsworld.com says
Love this! Sippy Cups were definitely a torture device when our boys were younger .