Conversations about Dinosaur Poop And Other Toddler-Related Topics

“Son, I can promise you a dinosaur did NOT poop in your car.”

I never thought I’d have to utter this phrase, but two-year-olds are wild—and so are their imaginations.

With not one, but two toddlers running around my house, chaos and disorder reign supreme. My once-sweet little baby is now a year old. That simple milestone was a tough one for mom, and tougher yet was this new fun thing called walking. There’s something about watching your little one go from taking those first few shaky steps to truly walking for the first time.

While my oldest is developing a bit more empathy in how he interacts with others, little brother is all ornery all the time. He has this wicked little grin that just spells trouble. And it’s absolutely infectious. I could be having the worst day, but when I see him light up at his newfound ability to get from place to place on his own two feet, I can’t help but do the same.

Those moments are what get me through the tough days. Because, as any mom knows, it gets difficult. There are days you feel like you’re swimming upstream through peanut butter. Picking them up every time they fall, rocking them when they’re sick, cleaning up puke, poop, and snotty noses – none of it is glamorous. It’s exhausting, frustrating, and yet sometimes hilarious.

One key to surviving motherhood with your sanity intact is to look for the joy, whether it’s celebrating the fact that your toddler actually ate something green or soaking in the sun as you push them on the backyard swings.

Even though little brother wants to sit on the cat, and big brother is mad that you didn’t find the right cow video on YouTube, be content with the knowledge that they will only be this little for a short time.

And while you’re at it, know that you’re doing just fine as a parent. It’s okay that you don’t have it all together – I sure as heck don’t. Life is messy but that’s what makes it beautiful.

You can choose to appreciate the conversations about dinosaur poop, or you can let that moment pass you by. For me, I'm just taking it in all in.