Countdown to Three

For the most part, I feel that we escaped the "Terrible Two's". Don't get me wrong, Emmy had some pretty horrible meltdown moments of defiance and attitude and I've had to put her in "time-out" more times than I care to admit, but overall, I'd say that the last 340-ish days have been pretty wonderful. She's been a sweet, loving little two-year-old for the majority of the time.

That, however, has left us a little unprepared for what Grama refers to as "The Terrible Three's".

As we get closer and closer to Emmy's 3rd Birthday (on the 28th of this month), the more sass and attitude she seems to be pulling out, although I will say that the "bad" behaviour seems to come and go in waves. There will be a few weeks where she listens very well and shares without even being asked to and it's heavenly. Then we'll have a few weeks of Little Miss Sasspot who screams and fusses at the smallest thing (e.g. she can't get her toy to do what she wants, her shoe won't velcro properly, she drops something and can't pick it up).

I'm what I refer to as a "mean Mum" and I don't stand for the sassy behaviour and will reprimand her when appropriate (e.g. she knowingly did something that we've taught her is "bad" or not in line with how we expect her to act). Daddy doesn't stand for "bad girl" behaviour either. Or Grama. Or the teachers at school. Grampa is a big softie and Emmy has him wrapped around her finger and then some, so she gets away with a bit more with him.

I think we all need to up our game for the next 365 days however, to combat these "Terrible" Three's. Not to say that there won't be amazing moments, because there will be since overall, she's an AMAZING little creature who is figuring out who she is, and that's such an adventure. The things that come out of her mouth lately have us rolling on the floor in laughter, but I think those moments will be contrasted by even more heightened moments of defiance, tantrums and sass.

Bring it on Emmy - I can't wait to see how she grows while she's a three-year-old and we can't have amazing "ups" if we don't have "downs", so I'm ready for anything.