Miss Independent

"Okay, Okay!!" That's what I hear from Emma when she wants to do something herself. No polite little "I can do it," just frustrated yelling "Okay, Okay!!" If I've already started to help it usually means she's going to start all over again. For example, if I've lifted her into her carseat and get the "okay, okay!!" then I have to wait while she gets out of the car and climbs back in all by herself. Unfortunately, the "okay, okay!!" is a little unpredictable. Sometimes it's alright for me to help her get in the car, of course usually when I'm in a hurry it's not : )

Then there are the times when she needs help, but doesn't want to ask for it. I'll hear her in the other room having a little fit, I'll go check on her, and she's trying to get her shirt off or her shoes on and she's having problems. Will she politely say "mommy, I need help?" Nope, I guess she thinks having a little fit is more effective.

Another favorite example is when I've asked her to do something, like take something out to the recycling, and she doddles or doesn't want to do it so one of the other kids or I will start to do the job. Again comes the "okay, okay!!" or the little fit.

Don't get me wrong, I know she needs to learn independence and I'm grateful that she doesn't want to be babied all the time. It's all in the joy of having a two year old : ) I guess I'm also grateful for the opportunity to practice patience and not be in such a hurry to get things done. If I'm honest, there are plenty of things that I want to do things myself, and if it's been started incorrectly I'll start the process over so it's done my way. There have also been times when I've needed help and rather than asking, I just get frustrated. I guess I still have some two year old tendencies I'm trying to outgrow ; )

Thankfully, the frustration is a small thing compared to the sweet and joyful moments I enjoy with my Emma. I'm grateful to be her mommy.