Hellobee

I was inspired by Mrs. Garland’s post and decided to write my version of “you know you live with a toddler if…” post. Like any parent with a toddler, I’m sure you would agree that while this is the best age it also comes with challenges. On the bright side, I love watching Max exert his independence and figure out the world around him. It has been truly fun watching his brain soak up new experiences. Every day I’m shocked at the new words and phrases he picks up. There are some days when Mr. Ice Cream and I have to try our hardest not to crack up at the things he says, and we don’t always succeed. As we do our best to adapt to the everyday challenges, it has been therapeutic to create this list. Seeing the collective craziness down on paper, I can’t help but smile (it’s also nap time right now!).

You know you live with a toddler if…

1. you think 5am is a normal time to start the day.

2. saying “don’t drink bathwater” is second nature.

3. you ignore the shopping cart warning not to put your child in the main cart.

4. it’s not unusual to find raisins or cheerios in your pockets.

5. you give up on your second errand if it involves making a stop at another location.

6. seeing tiny little fingers under the door when you are in the bathroom isn’t weird anymore.

7. some days you wake up humming a tune and realize later it is the theme song to Thomas.

8. your threshold for what a vegetable is is extremely low and somedays a green veggie straw meets that threshold.

9. you haven’t heard of most of this year’s Oscar nominations for best picture.

10. some days you are thankful you aren’t the favorite parent.

11. your floors get washed every time it’s a bath night.

12. you get a huge reaction and applause every time you make up a new song that you actually entertain the idea you might be good.

13. you automatically sit on the floor anytime you are hanging with friends or family.

14. you know the names of all the Thomas trains and you roll your eyes when people get Thomas and Edward confused.

15. all the lower levels of your bookcases and pantry shelves are empty.

16. you recognize the sound of any garbage/recycling/mail/UPS/ice-cream truck coming down your street and immediately rush to the window to watch.

17. you recognize Legos as tiny death traps.

18. you suspect noise-canceling headphones were invented by a parent.

19. you’ve seen your living room go from clean to a total wreck in under 60 seconds.

20. most of the pictures you have on your phone are of a blurry child.

21. perusing Target is a luxury you no longer have.

22. you’re sorry you ever judged parents who put their toddlers on leashes; you get it now.

23. you have at least 1 bus/truck/train in your purse.

24. some days your child cries because he wants help to pick up his truck but he definitely does not want you to touch it.