Terrific 2's...and 3's

Parenting is hard. I'm not complaining and I wouldn't trade it for the world, but it is and it is ok to admit that. For the first two and a half years of her life Kadynce was pretty much a little angel. No, she was not perfect. She was born into sin just like the rest of us, but she was just such a good baby and toddler. Now, I'm sure she did things that my mind has just chosen to block out (kinda like how we forget the pain of childbirth and continue to have more babies), but for the most part she was a very content and pleasant child. Then right around this time last year, that sweet little blonde-haired, blue-eyed girl realized that she has an opinion of her own and by golly it needs to be heard. Enter the terrific 2's that has carried on to the terrific 3's (I don't like referring to my child as terrible). My once very obedient child began to test the waters and in turn test my patience. My precious Kadynce has the sweetest most tender heart. She is passionate and that shows through the way she loves people even at 3 years old. That will though, man it it is strong. A quality that, if channeled in the right direction will be a great asset to her in the future. It sure has proven to be a challenge to this mommy, though. Sometimes I feel like all I have done for a solid year is discipline and correct. I feel like all Kadynce hears me say is "don't do this" or "please stop doing that." I worry that my love for her doesn't show through when I'm constantly having to correct her. I want her to know how proud I am of her. How special she is to me and how I wouldn't trade her for the world. Of course I tell her these things, but will she remember that or just that I'm constantly disciplining her. I've had a few moments of encouragement recently when she has just come up to me and hugged me and said "I love you Mommy." Those four little words are confirmation that maybe, just maybe I'm getting something right. Today was the first day in a long, long time that she didn't throw a fit. It was like a breath of fresh air. It's always amazing how just when you feel like you're drowning The Lord reaches down and says "I've got this, you're not in this alone." Tomorrow may be the total opposite and I may feel like she isn't listening to a word I say, but today I saw improvement and I choose to find encouragement in that.