My favorite advice I got from a mom (before I was even married or had a baby) was “the days are long and the years are short, so soak up every moment”. A year feels like it goes by so quick! It’s my baby boy’s birthday and I like sharing the good and the not so glamorous moments from each year. So here we go!

• Pets are great!

This year I noticed how good it is for Echo to have a furry friend to play with and adventure with. As Echo became mobile, started walking and running, Beefy and him had so much fun throwing the ball around or playing “tag”. They love each other, and I can’t wait to see what adventures they go on in the future! I would definitely recommend having an animal in the home whether it’s a cat, dog, or whatever animal you prefer.

• Cuddle Often

Babies grow soooooo quick! Enjoy the infant stage, and then in the toddler stage soak up those cuddles. Echo isn’t the cuddliest child, but every now and then when he wakes up from his nap he will sit on my lap and snuggle with me. Take those moments! The to-do list can wait, it may only be for a minute or two, but these are times you’ll cherish as they grow.

• Say I love you often

Your child needs to hear that you love him. I feel like I say “i love you” all the time, and nothing beats the little smile i get because Echo loves hearing it.  I also feel that if you are married your child also needs to see you and your spouse being loving and affectionate. I think it was in September or maybe over the summer, but Sterling and I were laughing and kissing and Echo was watching us from his high chair. Sterling’s mom came up and said it is so good for Echo to see that. It just stuck with me. I want Echo to see love and respect between Sterling and I.

• Have Patience

This is one I remind myself of daily! I am your normal mom that struggles with having patience and keeping my cool in frustrating situations. The toddler attitude/tantrum stage is no joke. Pushing buttons, whining, throwing objects, throwing tantrums, pinching, and doing things that he was just told not to do, are all a part of my day with Echo. In these moments, I discipline when needed but remind myself he is learning how to handle his emotions and I need to have patience with him. I literally remind myself, whether in my head or out loud, because I don’t want to yell or get caught up in the moment (which still happens).

• Every child is different

I said this in my “The First Year” post, but it is so true that every child is different and develops at their own place. Echo is struggling to say words or meet the amount of words he should have by now. It’s so easy for me to get discouraged and compare him to kids that had a ton of words super early, but that is not beneficial for him or me. The best thing I can do is continue to encourage him to say things and focus on helping him develop the way he needs. Every child is unique.

What have you learned this year with the two year old in your life? Comment below 🙂