Miss Saela

Miss Saela, Miss Saela, Miss Saela...she doesn't really like to get her photo taken so these are a compilation of the most recent attempts at getting her to smile at the camera. Her favorite word these days is "no." I remember when she was Asher's age or even a little younger and just learning the word no. It was cute then. Not.so.cute.anymore. She and I have been butting heads a bit lately. She is really quite obstinate..."I don't want to, I don't want to take a bath, I don't want to get out of the bath, I don't want to put my coat on, I don't want to put my pajamas on, I don't want to go to bed, BUT I DON'T WANT TO..." We've been working on her listening skills - it seems we have the same conversation 5 times every evening. After a timeout she will, say her "I'm sorrys" in such a small seemingly sincere voice - I always think THIS is the time that maybe it will sink in just a little. I wake up everyday praying for God to give me the patience that he has with us humans. Sometimes I succeed and sometimes I don't. It really can be quite frustrating - but just when I think I can't take one more second - she will give me a hug and say, "I really like you Mommy." In that moment, my heart melts, the tension goes out of my shoulders and I smile and think I am so lucky to have you to love. I know this is just a stage and I am sure this stage will be replaced by another that is different but equally as challenging. I just pray that God will help me navigate each stage with love, compassion, the discipline needed for the situation and as much patience as I can possibly muster.