Thank You, Thank You

I just wanted to take a quick second to send out a huge thank you to all my friends and family who provided encouragement and support during the difficult times with Paloma. For all of you who strongly encouraged me not to donate my child to the circus on the many occasions that I brought it up - thank you!! I received a ton of advice about parenting, parenting a difficult child, sleep deprivation, parenting a naughty two year old while dealing with a cry baby... I could keep going but I'm sure you all know who you are. I just have to take a minute to say that everyone who told me "life will get better" and it is "the challenging ones that end up being the most sweet" I totally get what you were saying. I have seen the light. At the time, I didn't believe you and really wanted to simply strangle you - BUT my little Polly Rae has blossomed into one of the brightest, sweetest, most compassionate little girls around. She sleeps well, snores no more, and loves her momma more than I ever thought she would. I always kind of wondered if she would sense the feelings I had for her in the beginning - feelings of resentment, anger - a lack of bonding. But no my little cutie certainly doesn't act like she does.
Over the past two weeks I have had the pleasure of spending some quality time with my two little pumpkins since Dave is away doing fieldwork in Montana. We have shared tantrums, food fights, spankings, and a whole lot of timeouts. We have also had the pleasure of sharing hugs, kisses, snuggle time, book time, and play time. I have gotten to know Paloma so much these last couple of days. She is in the best stage ever. Just a few months short of 2, she is growing and exploring exponentially each day. She watches and mimics what you say and do. She clings to you for much needed security but runs from you for much needed independence. She is so fun to be around. She smiles and laughs ALL the time. And her heart - at the moment - is pure gold. She rubs my back, open mouth kisses me, says 'miss you' when I leave the room, and even offered me her pillow this morning.
Now - that is not to say she is of saintly status. She managed to pee on the carpet this morning just minutes after being taken to the potty, she is covered head to toe in pink highlighter (which is a long story), she manages to mouth the words "walk away" when you get too close, try and eat her food, mock her for sucking her thumb, or try and take her "mimi" away. She is spunky and sassy but oh so loveable. She has blossomed into an amazing child and I love her dearly.
I guess God provides challenging situations for a reason!