Saying "YES"

(dad says, "yes" to ice cream after yet another trip to Home Depot)

It occurs to me now and then, how stinky it is to be a 2-year-old sometimes. Here you are, discovering new and exciting things on a daily basis, becoming more confident and independent, ready to go--do--explore, full of your own ideas about your surroundings and how you'd like to interact with them, ready for stimulation and adventure,

and constantly at the whim of somebody else.

And getting told "No" a lot.

Because there are errands and chores to be done, or too many obligations, or other people that need pleasing.

And you hear, "hold on one minute", "I just need to write an email/make a phone call/do some work", "maybe later", "maybe tomorrow" far too often.

How frustrating would that be?

Life has been topsy turvey for my little one lately. It has been full of change and disruption, strange men tromping around making loud noises upstairs, a million trips to Home Depot, interrupted naps, and exhausted distracted parents. And far too many "No's".

I often start the day by asking my girl, "What should we do today?" Her requests are usually simple-- "Play with Ella?" "Go to the park?" --and far too often go unfulfilled.

And so...
I am declaring today, a day of saying "Yes".

No reasonable request will be denied.
"Yes!" to the zoo.
"Yes!" to the park.
"Yes!" to a picnic.
"Yes!" to all three.
"Yes" to- play blocks with me?, one more book?, can I do it all by myself?

We'll do it all-- for as long as she wants.

And though I realize one day of saying yes doesn't make up for the consistency and stability children need on a daily basis (I really do try for that amid all this chaos)...

it can't hurt either.

And frankly, I am need of some of her sunny, silly, joyful, self to rub off on me. I have been far too serious and stressed out lately. I could use some 2-year-old perspective.

I am so grateful to be a mother.
What a lucky girl I am.