There are moments in life where you stop, the world around you fades, and you see- you really see.

Today I had a moment. As I watched my 21 month old babies set their sights on the biggest inflatable slide you have ever seen I realized that my beautiful children are coming into themselves. Their personalities are growing. They are becoming more and more themselves everyday. It is fascinating.


We have fostered an independent spirit in both our children and it has become FIERCE. There is no stopping those two. And who would try?! I love that they make so many decisions on their own. They know what they want and when. And I am soo ok with that. You want shredded wheat instead of Kix today? You got it. No milk on yours Fin? No problem. You want to pour the juice all by yourself Parker? Why not. The pink dress instead of the shorts? Sure. You'll only wear Parker's size-too-big-for-you-green-frog-rain-boots? Whatever. No more sippy cups for you P? I don't mind cleaning up a few spills.

I love that they make decisions all by themselves. Yes, sometimes it takes them a minute of indecision but they always arrive at their intended desire.

We gave up the stroller months ago. Same thing with the high chairs and booster seats. Buckle them into restriction? Not a chance. They walk freely through stores and sit in normal chairs at restaurants. They listen when we say they've gone a little too far or to stay on the sidewalk while we buckle the other into the car or to hold hands in a parking lot.

They do this because we trust them. A funny thing happens when you trust your children. They trust you back. Why rebel when there is nothing to rebel against? Why run away when you're always free?

We treat them like big kids and they act like it. Their manners are impeccable. Their empathy towards others often melts my heart. What 21 month old do you know that hugs all of her friends the second she sees them or makes sure to kiss the dog before she leaves the house (even if said dog is all the way upstairs) or when she opens the fridge (all by herself) to get her milk she always gets and delivers Parker's his first? It is amazing to watch.

I never made the connection that fearlessness goes hand in hand with independence- but it does, and it makes sense. My children are fearless. This is not to stay Finley doesn't have her timid moments. She takes a minute to warm up to new situations but once warm, watch out. They mastered the biggest slides at the playground months ago, they both dunk their heads under water without being prompted, they can hang with the big kids and often prefer to do so.


Sometimes I stand in the kitchen listening to them playing with one another, giggling nonstop, and forcing myself to leave them alone. It's bittersweet. My playmates don't need me in order to play anymore...

Posted by Brooke* at Wednesday, May 27, 2009 |