I only have 1 child. One. Uno. And, I must confess there were times I found myself sweating it or feeling bad about my parenting.
Before she was 1 year old, I felt the need to get her into a sleep schedule, I wasn’t a nazi about it, but I tried to stick to the routine. While that kept me sane for allowing me to have my arms back, it also drove me insane for limiting my lifestyle. The irony.
Around her first year, my mom was here and she looked after her (thank you mom). She confirmed my kid was very energetic (I thought it was me and my first-time-being-a-mom perception) and one day while under my watch, my kid jumped from sofa to sofa and chipped one of her front teeth. She was only 1! As a mom, I feared the worse for her future already.
When she turned 2, routines changed. She joined daycare and my worry increased when anxiety overwhelmed my child. Brain leaps occurred and tantrum episodes made their appearances too. The feeling was like being in a mild-to-medium roller-coaster ride and I don’t like roller-coasters. It wasn’t until the last months of this age that I said to myself “so this is what people mean by terrible twos, huh?”.
Then she turned 3, and despite all the fears of managing and educating my kid, we had a pleasantly trip to México, just the two of us. And it has been a honeymoon stage ever since…
…like the time she tried reading the alphabet at bed time and I couldn’t stop laughing at what it sounded to be the cutest relationship between the pictures and the letters.
…like the time she tried to put her socks on, all on her own, and I had no idea at what I was laughing more the most – the upside down sock or the toe peaking out through the other sock. Dilema.
… or like when she wants to sit by my side on the couch and due to her contortions I end up being kicked out to the other sofa.
… or like the time when she found her baby bib (husband was supposed to put those items in storage, but let’s not go there). Not only did she put the bib on, she also took a selfie with my iPhone. A 3yo already in selfie mode …Despicable!
Please don’t let this stage come to an end!
But similar to a ray of sunshine in Vancouver, these precious moments I must suck on, admire and enjoy to the fullest. Because God knows that similar to Vitamin D I also need my daily dosis of these fantastic experiences.
I think 3 is my lucky number!
If you have kids, at which age did your kid(s) started to become funnier and easier to handle? What’s your lucky number?
Christy Garrett Uplifting Families says
She is a cutie. It is amazing how smart they are at three years old too. My youngest will be 3 next month and Im a bit sad because he is my last baby. I love watching him grow and learn new things.
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
Awww. I feel the same in a way. So far I have 1 and she is leaving behind the ‘baby’ phase and I miss it.
Rorybore says
3 was horrible for us!! Oh my gosh… I don’t even know how my son survived that year, he was like another creature that displaced our normally pleasant and easy going and OBEYING son. And the other two followed suit: so we skipped the Terrible Two’s in my house and instead had the Terrifying and Tumultuous 3s!
But, 4 is awesome. I love that age. There are still tantrums and crying – but they do get a lot funnier and more fun.
I found this is when their personalities really start to emerge. And then 5 just gets even better.
My eldest is 9 now and I find that is a really cool age. He still wants his mama, but he is definitely more independent and able to care for himself than his younger sisters. He talks to me about school and his friends and I very aware that this may be the last few years he comes to me with such issues when the teen years strike. It’s really cool right now.
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
Aww well at least it improved, at 4, but it improved.
I don’t think I am ready for teenage years though. No.
Michelle F. says
She is adorable! My daughter is almost 2 so I am glad to hear that at 3 it might get easier 🙂
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
Thank you! Crossing fingers 3 goes well for you too.
Sam Chao says
They grow up too fast! My daughter just turned 3 years old and we started potty training her this week. After one day, she insisted on using the big girl potty! Kids are full of surprises!
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
Yes. Potty training has been an on/off situation for us. At one point when she was 2, she was good for anything in the potty. Then she got sick and went back to square 1. She is not ready for going at night yet.
One day, one day.
RUSS says
I’m glad that you’re feeling that way towards this age where your daughter’s at.
Bless your heart and may she grow up to be loving and caring lady.
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
Thank you Russ, that is so sweet.
Priya Sharma says
Wow! Kids these days! Your daughter is too cute, Nadia. I don’t have kids but I have to agree with you that they are absolutely adorable after the age of one. When they stop you know..puking and what not. 🙂
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
He he you are funny. And thank you. Once they start moving, and less messy, they get more interesting that is true.
Amanda says
I am glad she seems so happy right now.. It’s just her growing up, I’m sure : )
lloyd says
I don’t own a child but, i think in my psychiatric nursing class, Let them explore what they want to do, but you must there to give advice.
Roch says
Wah so cute! You’re right, you’re lucky to have her and 3 is your lucky number! I’m so afraid to have kids because I think they will be annoying haha.
kungphoo says
That is a fun age.. Mine are 13 and 9, and things change allot when they hit these ages.. enjoy it while you can.
lena_ski says
she’s just tooo cute!
Triplezmom says
She’s so cute! My daughter was actually pretty easy from about 2.5 on, but it took until 4 for my boys.
Sandra {simpleispretty.com} says
My boys are almost 5 and the other just turned 3. Every day they crack me up with the things they say and do. In my experience, it only gets better 🙂
Patranila says
Three, four – great years!
Joanna Sormunen says
Three years old is a beautiful age. They become so much more independant and start to express their own identity and personality.
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
That is so true. It is becoming so funny lately. Also it’s so inspiring seeing how a child develops, it’s also magical.
Mommy Pehpot says
if my memory serves me right, I think it’s 2 when they became funnier and easier to handle 🙂
Dawn says
I thought my daughter was really fun at 3. Once they are past the terrible twos it’s pretty chill until the teens, lol.
Payal Bansal says
My nephew is 2, and he has been always a good boy. I hope when he is 3, he stays as good and easy to handle
Inspire Me Heather says
What a wonderful post and your wee one there is so sweet! I enjoyed every stage and every moment, what an amazing experience! My guy is 8 and he’s so independent, it’s very cool.
Angie In My 30s says
aaawe!!! oh man that little toe is so cute 🙂
Way to go you for keeping up with all the laughs!
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
he he that toe is awesome and classic
Alyssa C says
She is a CUTIE!!! My daughter is almost 3 and is going through the terrible two’s BAD!!!
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
aw sorry to hear that. It will pass, guaranteed.
Franc Ramon says
I think two years old is worst than three. For some reason, it’s the time that they get moody after being so good at age of 1.
Randa says
I love the 3 year old selfie. My 2 year old is always taking photos of himself.
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
wow, the 2 year old? funny
Kathleen Garber says
My kids are 8, 7, 3 and 2 months so I currently have a three year old too. I love all the ages really, for different reasons. Your daughter is adorable by the way.
Aisha Kristine Chong says
She is so cute! I don’t have any kids so I wouldn’t really know but in our culture, 3 is indeed a lucky number, no doubt about it!
Dani @ lifeovereasy says
So nice to hear that you are enjoying this stage! The years fly by too quickly, it’s great to get the most out of every age.
Tia says
She is sooo cute!! We don’t have any kids yet, but our nephew us full of energy and hilarity at 4.
Wendy @ ABCs and Garden Peas says
Three has been a huge challenge for us, and four hasn’t been much better. I’m holding out a lot of hope for five.
Although 3 was the age where my son’s little sister was born, so that could have something to do with it.
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
hang in there. Sending good vibes things will improve.
Paula - Buenos Aires says
Lol! Fortunately I have forgotten the difficult parts. 😉 They are 18 and 14 now. 😀
Laurie @ Vin'yet Etc. says
As always, a sweet and adorable post! I was smiling the whole way through. I remember tucking my 3 year old in one night, the night before he was a 4 year old, that moment it hit me, he will never be 3 again, I cried and realized right then that these moments move way too fast. I love how you are capturing all of the special times!
Nadia V. (Mama and the City) says
Yes, that is exactly the thought (and fear) it crosses my mind when looking at her “growing up”. Only memories is to keep out of it.
cococute says
She is so pretty and my niece is also 3 years old now and just like her, she always makes me smile when she is around.
Kathryn @ Mamacado says
Age 2.5 – 3.5 was hard for us, but it was also the time when my 2nd was born. My little guy is now 4 and he’s definitely hilarious and a ton of fun! I totally relate to all you said here!