this amazing child of mine

I don’t think I put it into words here often enough, how amazing the child who calls me “mom” really is. At the age of 2 1/2 her personality is in full bloom, blasting out of her from every angle. She knows exactly who she is and what she wants right now, and I can’t imagine ever meeting a person who is more purely herself.

As a person who was quiet, shy, and non-confrontational as a child, I watch M every day in amazement as she demonstrates self-confidence and assertiveness not only with her peers, but with children much older. She has no problem saying ‘no’ when she doesn’t want to be touched, when she doesn’t want to take turns, or when she doesn’t want to do something. She has no problem asking for her turn, expressing what she wants, and jumping up to go next.

Today, one of M’s classmate’s moms called me to inform me that her son was having a problem being aggressive with the other kids. The teacher’s advice was to hang out with my daughter more often, as my daughter is the only one who stands up to him. If he kicks her, she kicks him back. If he tries to push her around, she lets him know that she won’t put up with it! So, this mom and I are going to get the kids together for play dates, so he can get a dose of his own medicine, I guess. (For the record, my daughter actually really likes this little boy and thinks of him as her friend. Seems they both could stand to get a taste of what it’s like when someone doesn’t like being pushed around.) M’s teacher continues to applaud her for standing up for herself so well. Did I mention that she is the very youngest in the class? She is 2 1/2, and the rest of the kids are 3 to 6 years old!

Another thing I seriously love about this kid is her penchant for adventure. In this way, we’re just alike. She is up for anything, and that makes for great company, as anyone who knows me knows that I’m always up to something. She’ll explore every event, orchard, farm, fair, museum, playground, etc with me and have fun doing it. We spent several hours at an orchard today, and she could’ve stayed longer. She blew me away with her fearlessness… she actually went through a scary clown house (it was pitch black inside) with me, and then proceeded to go through it seven times without me, I just waited at the end. The staff running it thought she was amazing, she was so excited and enthusiastic about being in the dark and running through the spinning walls. I love her spirit! She finds joy and fun in everything, and I know that this world will always be a delight to her, and never dull.

I know every mom feels that their kid is the best, and I’m no exception. With this child, the world can really never be a boring place. She wants to see and do it all, and I have finally found someone who can keep up with me. (Ok, ok, maybe it’s really me keeping up with her! I’ve met my match!)

Author: Mother of All Things

Mother by fostering, adoption, and marriage... wife to my best friend... Bay area critical care nurse... travel in my blood, reading in my bones, clean food on my mind! View all posts by Mother of All Things