Toddler Talk

Carson is talking up a storm.  Chatty Carson.  Nonstop.  It's hilarious and a bit annoying at the same time.  Don't get me wrong, I'm ecstatic that she can now tell me what she wants or needs (sometimes).  And, she can often tell me what hurts - which brings feelings of relief and anti-anxiety I wouldn't trade for anything.  She also has an attitude.  I am often standing there, looking at her, thinking, "Where in the world did she learn that?" 


 The other day, I was picking her up from daycare when a fly buzzed by our heads.  I starting gingerly singing "Shew fly, don't bother me, shew fly, don't bother me.  Sh--"  I was suddenly interrupted by my lovely 19 month old daughter putting her hand on my mouth and saying "Hush, momma."  WHAT?!  She also likes to tell me to stop, although it's "Top Momma" with her hand pushed out like she's directing traffic.  

I've also noticed lately she likes to just say no - for no reason at all.  It didn't matter what I said, she would just contradict me by saying no.  For example,
Me: "Time for bath!"
CH: "NO bath!"
Me: "Time to go!"
CH: "NO go!"
Me: "Time for a cookie!"
CH: "NO cook- cookie?!  Cookie?!  Peez!"  (yes - mom wins again!)

I love watching Carson's little  big personality form.  It makes me proud that she is so social and outspoken, but reminds me I might have to pull her leash a little tighter. :)

Time Flies! (In slow motion)

So you've all heard the cliche saying, "Doesn't time just fly?"  I believe I've already blogged about this topic before, but it took looking at some photos recently for the point to really hit home.  Most people I only see sporadically often say how much Carson has changed.  In fact, my husband used to even say she had grown when he returned from 2-day business trips!  I guess since I'm with her all the time, I don't notice as much.  We took Carson to the park yesterday and put her in the exact same swing that I had taken her to in July 2009.  I couldn't believe what I saw!

I started thinking about all that has happened between these two pictures.  Smiles, giggles, first words, haircuts, kisses and hugs.  Not only has Carson grown, but I've grown so much, too!  We've grown as a family.  

On the other hand, I remember there were some days I thought would never end, some exhausting, sleepless nights, teeth cutting, ear infections, sinus infections, whining and crying.  Those moments sometimes push time into slow motion, causing you to wish these moments away.  

I still haven't mastered the balancing act of "living in the moment" as "time flies", but these pictures definitely brought me to a stop today - hugging onto Carson, and every new moment and memory she creates - a little tighter.