Toddler speak

Is there anything more precious than the broken exclamations of an excited toddler? I might argue that a strong case can be made for the toothy grins and loud giggles of that same toddler. However, toddler speak has quickly become one of my favorite parts of motherhood so far. Sure, slobbery kisses and hand holding are more than precious, but there is something completely fascinating about toddler language. It's entertaining, it's confusing, it's hilarious, it's strange, it's perfect. Every other day, a new word springs forth from her mouth. Well, word-like facsimiles. They are some combination of consonant and vowel sounds in addition to pointing and gesturing, which usually direct us to her meaning. At this point she says certain words clearly and with gusto but most words are close to articulate, just not quite. There are a handful of "words" that only Paul and I understand and a few that no one understands but she. Toddler speak has become a highlight of my day and equally so, a constant source of bewilderment.

pane = airplane
beh = bird
daw = dog
bawk = block
sssss = shhhh
bahh-bble = bubble
bah = bath
wa-wa = water
buh = book
meh-ma = Emma
mama = mama (that's easy)
dada = dada, also means look! and play!
yish (with hands held out) = please or I want
na = banana
uh-oh = uh-oh, also means something fell down, my shoe fell off, something is wrong, etc
mo = more
da! = Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood
sahh = socks
no = no
no-no-no-no-no-no = bigger no
To name a few.

Toddler speak, the makings of a really good day. 

Big girl bedding

Last week, Emma and I failed at our first attempt to get the oil changed in our car.

Oil place: "We could have your car back to you in three hours, feel free to wait in our lounge." 
Me: *ARE YOU KIDDING ME? I HAVE A TODDLER, I CANNOT WAIT THREE HOURS. UNLESS YOU WANT YOUR ENTIRE LOUNGE REARRANGED AND ME CRYING IN THE CORNER.*
Me: "Um no thanks, I'll come back another time."

So attempt number one was a big, fat no way so instead we decided to hit up IKEA. I have decided that 10 am is the perfect time for IKEA because there was no one there and Emma likes to ram people/objects/animals with shopping carts so fewer casualties is always a plus.

When we made it to the children's section, Emma flapped her arms and squealed her way throughout every aisle. Many things ended up in the cart that we did not end up purchasing but when we came across THE MOST ADORABLE SUN AND CLOUD fluffy pillows we both had twenty-three heart attacks because of the cuteness. I decided that it was time for Emma to have her own big girl bedding set to go with her toddler bed. This particular bedding was my favorite (of all times, ever) of their selection. It's gender neutral (always a plus in this PINK EXPLOSION toddler world) and the happy animals, suns, and clouds just give me all the warm and fuzzies.

Emma is obsessed with our down comforter so she got one of her very own with this special duvet, matching pillow case, and fluffy accent pillows. I'm convinced it will help her sleep better. So far she has not fought me on her naps (praise the LORD) and stays in her bed at least half the night, so progress. 

Can you have a cuteness overload? I think that I have. 

Send help. 

Today I am

I am a chef and she, my sous. She sits on my hip as I stir. The smells of her favorite dish waft up to our noses and she insists that she hold the old wooden spoon. As it simmers, she sits on the opposite counter and decides which bowl will be her favorite today. The blue one wins. I put her down and she trots off to her high chair to taste the special of the day. Half the dish makes it to her mouth and half lands on the floor, but that toothy grin and claps of delight make this kitchen our favorite restaurant.

I am an audience and she, my prima donna. I sit by the wall and watch her dance unfold. She starts with a shake and continues with a twirl. I clap and smile and she runs into my lap. She shows off another smile and decides that I am captive enough for her next performance. Specific books are laid out until she finds the perfect one to read. She turns the pages and lets out a squeal and turns to me to flash another smile, waiting for mine in return. The living room is our stage and hers is my favorite show.

I am a contractor and she, my architect. We follow the blueprints of her creative mind. I provide the blocks, the crayons, and the stuffed animals and she creates masterpieces. She stacks and makes her next creation. She tests the balance of those square block. She carefully chooses the next color to swirl across the page. She hands me her designs. I accept them gratefully and wonder what she'll create next. Her next creation is on the horizon and my lap is her favorite studio. 

I am a mom and she, my girl. 

This is 17 months

So 17 months is a fun age.

And by fun, I mean confusing, exhausting, and completely wonderful. 

Her hugs are intentional, her kisses open-mouthed and slobbery, her tantrums epic, and her will power strong. She sometimes skips naps, sometimes sleeps all night. She sometimes wants to eat all the food. She sometimes throws her bowl across the room. 

This is seventeen months.

Emma: Throwing another tantrum.
Samantha: Hey Ems, why are you screaming?
Emma: Thrashing on ground, attempting to take pants off.
Samantha: Alright, would you like me to help you?
Emma: Cry, ESH (<--That's Emma for "yes"), scream
Samantha: Removes pants. Here you go.

Emma: Attempts to put pants back on. Struggle fest. Screams.
Samantha: 
Emma: Throws self on ground, cries some more.
Samantha: I am sorry that you're frustrated. Can I help you?
Emma: Rapidly sits up and stops crying.
Samantha: Helps put pants back on. 

Emma: Starts crying again and attempts the pants removal, again.
Samantha:

This is seventeen months. 

Paint and a pool party

As it is just Emma and me during the day, we are trying to find things to fill our time that do not revolve around screens.

1. This is becoming increasingly more difficult as creativity is crucial because, boredom and toddlerhood are enemies.
2. I am incredibly sleep deprived due to insomnia (curse you) and our attempts at sleep training Emma badger into her own toddler bed.

Tough. The toughest.

There was a slight crisp in the air this morning and I had no interest in changing out of my cozy PJs so inside play was a must. And although the time-honored game of pull everything off of our shelves and out from drawers is just the funnest ever, I was hoping to avoid that particular headache.

Thankfully, I discovered a couple of Instamoms (here and here) who are brilliant with their toddler activity and preschool ideas. Ladies, I love you. They are infinitely more creative than I am and I hope to emulate even a tenth of their toddler know-how. 

Enter, finger paints and a plastic kid pool.

The super prepared person that I am did not have any paint brushes so fingers and a small spatula were her tools o' choice. And of course, when she tired of her white canvas she moved onto greener pastures. Her stomach. This kept us entertained for quite some time. 

"Don't bother me, I'm in the zone."

Well, excuse me.

"Simply brilliant!" - said every first time mom ever.

Our kitchen sink is big enough for a mid-day bath. I think that she had more fun in there than while painting. We have a water baby. And we have an obsessive mother who will not tolerate paint anywhere other than paper, who promptly moved the human canvas to said sink.

Splish splash she was taking a bath.

What are your resources for toddler edu-tainment?