A New Year

I don't want to jinx it, but Martha's been crazy good lately. I know, I know. "It won't last." I'm aware that a toddler's temperament changes by the second, but I can safely say that she hasn't had a major meltdown in about a week. Trust me, Chris and I were amazed when even one day went by without a colossal fit. We were talking to each other about it in hushed tones as to not spook it away.

I started reading a book called The Happiest Toddler on the Block and although I haven't finished it yet (what mom of 2 with a full time job has time to read?!) it definitely has given me a few tips on calming a crazed toddler and even preventing a crisis when you see it coming. I've tried it on Martha twice and it really does help. One time she even looked at me kind of funny and almost started laughing because the way you have to talk to them when they're losing it is in "caveman" terms. Everything very simple and broken down. She already has such an extensive vocabulary that she probably thought I was crazy talking to her like that. Either way, it calmed the situation and that's all that matters.

Anyway. We had a great Christmas and New Years and we're all trying to get back to our normal schedules now which means I haven't been on time to work all week. Anyone have a tip on how to get a 2 year old to move faster in the morning? It really shouldn't take 30 minutes for her to brush her teeth and put clothes on. Right now it takes about 10 minutes to get her out of the bed, 5 minutes to brush teeth, 10 minutes to put clothes on, then 5 minutes to put on her coat and get out the door. I get it... Waking up at 6:00 AM sucks, but there's just no way around it. Waking her up even earlier is a terrible idea cause then she'll just be more tired and cranky.

All in all, we're all doing really well right now. I feel like everyone is adjusted to having Abel around. But if you ask Martha if she wants another little brother or sister she'll tell you "No, just me and Abel."