I Will Survive...Right?

I'm taking a break from bringing you the best of Pinterest this week in honor of becoming the mom to a newly 2 year old boy. Clearly every birthday is reason for celebration and this one was no exception. But along with celebrating I also have an intense dread of what is certainly on the horizon for parenting a 2 year old. Toss in the fact that in a few short weeks I will also be bringing a newborn into the picture and it's enough to bring even the strongest of mamas to her knees. I may only be a day into the "terrible 2s" but here are some things that I've already learned are a sure sign you have a 2 year old...

• You sneak in all of your meals, snacks, and drinks so that you can enjoy them in peace
• You constantly find your belongings in his ball popper toy
• You find yourself using a voice that is usually reserved for mental patients to avoid yet another meltdown
• After several minutes of uninterrupted peace and quiet you can't decide if you should check on them or just enjoy this brief moment of silence
• Instead of singing the latest radio hit, you're stuck with their tv show or favorite game's song playing on repeat in your head
• You feel a surge of panic when you hear them wake up early from their nap or, God forbid, they start to drop their nap all together
• You feel the need to wear body armor when changing their diaper
• You have to pack a bag of snacks, toys, blankets, and pacifiers for just a quick trip to the grocery store
• You find yourself praying every night for patience...and forgiveness
• Things that were previously off-limits suddenly don't seem to be that big of a deal if it helps the whining stop
• You don't care who's watching when there's yet another public tantrum
• You say their name more than you say you're own
• You say "no" more than you say their name
• You find yourself asking other mother's "is it normal when...?"
• You pray that they act better for the babysitter/teacher than they do for you
• You wonder if a 2 year old has ever been kicked out of playschool
• You're constantly amazed at the number of uses he/she can find for a stick, lid, or piece of tupperware
• You wonder how they've made it through two days on milk and cheezits
• You find that a bib is a complete joke
• You realize that being this tired is a close second to having a newborn
• You decide to put off teaching manners until you can master the more simple things such as no hitting, screaming, or hurting the family pet

And finally...

• You realize that you'd lay down your life for this precious child and they really aren't all that bad...when they're asleep.

Do you have a 2 year old now? Or did you already survive the terrible 2s? What's your advice to us newbies? Or what would you add to this list? I'm serious here. I'm taking all the advice and war stories you care to share.

In all fairness, I have to say that I have one of the cutest 2 year olds out there and although there are days I'm convinced he was sent here to destroy me I can't imagine life without him. I guess that pretty much sums up being a mom, huh?!