Mamahood

The 3’s…

I’ve talked about my eldest daughter Mabel in previous postings. You might remember reading about our experiences with the “2s” last year. Well … the “3s” are here in full swing!

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again–Mabel is the joy of my life. She can light up a room with her outgoing personality. She’ll easily walk right up to you, introduce herself and probably give you a hug. No clue where she gets it from because both my husband and I are quite shy. Yes, as odd as it may sound, he actually really is a very soft-spoken, mild-mannered man. Oh, but not our Mabel…

I am so grateful for this child who’s allowing me to experience a new world of life lessons. This kid is teaching me the definition of unconditional love and what it entails. Resilience. Patience. Even my mom took notice of it the other day as she witnessed a few of Mabel’s out-of-no-where meltdowns. “I never thought you had that kind of patience in you,” she said. I didn’t either until Mabel came along. But it’s not like I have a choice!

She can light up a room with her outgoing personality...
My love...

I have a spirited child. You know how they say that very precocious and intellectually advanced children can be a challenge? Well, Mabel is incredibly bright, I could swear that she was walking and talking the day after her birth! That’s how quickly she evolved. It is a magical thing. But, it can feel a bit isolating and overwhelming too at times, when you think you are the only one who has to constantly be on their toes monitoring your kid’s every move.

Luckily for me I have a wonderful girlfriend who has a spirited child too, so she can relate and that is so comforting especially on those days where you just feel downright drained. When that happens, she reminds me to keep my copy of Raising Your Spirited Child , a wonderful book authored by Mary Sheedy Kurckinka, handy. So when I’ve had a particularly rough day, I simply pick it up and turn to any page and there it is—the very thing I needed hear and what I read is always especially encouraging. I also just found that there’s a workbook to go along with the book! Because the more I delve into best practices for raising an especially gifted child, the more I am reminded that I was blessed with bearing a child that is destined to be a leader, and that gives me great solace.

How is or was the 3’s for you? And when do those tantrums take a back seat??? 🙂

 

Emma xx

3 year oldmamahoodParenting

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Rosemary Knapp - AreKay (RK) says:

Are you finding that Mabel and Evelyn are more similar or very different? One thing we know for sure, they are both loved very, very much. You guys are doing a great job as parents so don’t forget to give yourselves an occasional “atta boy” and “thumbs up”!

Emma Heming Willis says:

Mabel and Evelyn are Very different. Mabel is much more adventurous and Evelyn is very delicate. She has a little feisty zest in her no doubt but not as fiery as Mabel. They compliment each other well! oxoxo

Irene says:

Great blog Emma – so great of you to talk about this – when you’re feeling nuts then followed by guilt for feeling nuts it’s really comforting to know there are others in similar places 🙂 xo

Emma Heming Willis says:

That’s what I’m hoping for!!! Lol 🙂

LaRee's Ladies says:

I know EXACTLY how you are feeling! My Lucy was walking at 8 1/2 months, identifying letters at 16 months, and throwing crazy tantrums by 18 months! Once my Grandma (who I see very little) asked me if I have to nap when she does because she is simply almost always on the go. She is about 10 days away from turning 5 and man every year has had it’s challenges. I often say I have 4 going on 14 year old because she truly believe (& acts like!) she is a mini teenager. So much attitude! But she is so smart & I feel so excited watching her learn. She just read a new word all on her own today & it made me so happy I literally cheered! So while she is super exhausting at times, like you said she is also my greatest joy! And fortunately her baby sister is not as spirited (I warned her in utero she had to give mom a break! lol). Your blog is great! Keep Strong mama!
https://lareesladies.wordpress.com/

Emma Heming Willis says:

It’s funny because her little sister is not so spirited either. Phew! I was thrown a bone there :):)
Thanks for sharing xxx

Wendy R says:

Hi Emma – Spirited – what a lovely word to use! That one word says so much – and I think its one that I’m going to start using with my little man as I can certainly relate to the challenges of a spirited child. My little man is now 4 – 5 at the end of December and the terrible 2’s just rolled on to the 3’s and now the 4’s. Have you had a GP run their eyes over Mabel just incase there’s something else going on? I only suggest it has we recently discovered that my little man has ‘glue ears’ and tomorrow goes in for an operation to have grommets inserted in his ears. I’ve never really known what that was all about but apparently glue ear is like being underwater all the time and can be quite painful. It probably also has a lot to do with why he’s so cranky and melts down at the drop of a hat sometimes. The specialist dr performing the operation says that solving ear issues can have a significant effect on a child’s behaviour – which I’m really hoping is the case!!! It just may save my sanity. 🙂
Thanks for sharing this post… your daughters are very lucky to have such a kind and thoughtful mummy.
Wendy x

Emma Heming Willis says:

Wow that’s so interesting! And I hope all goes well for your little one tomorrow! Sending love xx
Yeah, we’ve been to the doctor, it’s nothing unique in our case just spirited 🙂

Wendy R says:

Hi Emma – thanks, operation went well 🙂 Would hardly know that he’s had an operation. Now to see if it helps… glad to know that its not a problem for Mabel. xx

Emma Heming Willis says:

Well so happy that it went well! That must have been anxiety provoking for you! Hope this will do the trick xx

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