The dreaded age of three

Whoever came up with the term terrible twos, obviously didn't have a three year old at that time. Jack isn't even three yet, and it's already proving to be one of the most challenging ages. My friends and other moms have always told me how challenging three is, and obviously I didn't doubt them - it's just one of those things you really don't get until you are experiencing it first hand.

At three years old, Jack can fully communicate. He knows what he should and should not be doing. So when he misbehaves, it's SO frustrating. Everything is a power struggle with him. And his attitude and snottiness is driving me crazy. I find myself already saying the phrases I always hated hearing from my mom. "Because I said so. I can only do one thing at a time. LEAVE ME ALONE" ha ha just kidding about the last one, kind of. But with that being said - there are some things he does that melt my heart completely. Like when he says, I love you mommy. I love you so much. Or when I tuck him in at night, and forget to say his prayers, before I walk out of the room - he will remind me that we forgot to say his prayers. Or when he says please and thank you without me asking him to do so.

And today, the umpteenth day that he hasn't napped, I went upstairs to his room and laid in his bed with him. He asked me to sing twinkle twinkle and scratch his back, so I did. In about 3 seconds - he was snoring. His hand was all contorted and squishing his nose, but he was just out like a light. I had a million things to do (finish working, continue cleaning the house, put the laundry away...I mean finally, the monster is sleeping) but I just laid there staring at him, soaking it all up. Because there will come a day when he doesn't fall asleep with just the scratch of his back. He won't want his mom in his room. I just remember that for good times and bad - it won't be like this for long.