A Busy Toddler

  I am in the midst of shepherding my sixth toddler. She is going to be two in a few months. She is one of my busiest toddlers and has abundant energy. I look at her and wonder what I was like as a toddler. According to my mother I didn't ever crawl and it sounds like I was not as busy or energetic but when I started talking then I was mentally exhausting. This little one does not play with toys much. We find a lot of things in the toilets, there is a lot of felt colourings on the wall, and she thinks scissors are called hair cuts. She loves to climb and jump and sing and yell. She does a lot of yelling. She is very aware of everything everyone is doing. When someone is going out she gets her boots and coat and asks us to put them on her. She can open doors and open jars and bags. If she is quiet I know to feel panic and start searching. With most of my other children if things were quiet I was not too worried they were just playing. Also I was not worried that my little ones would escape and go exploring but with this little girl if she can go she is going to go! It has made this school year hard to maneuver because if I sit down she wants my attention and if I want to accomplish anything I need someone to be with her. I am not complaining. I just am in a season of not doing much other than keeping her alive and entertained.  She is the sweetest little honey. She loves her siblings so much. She has special names for most of them and she uses facial expressions and signs to let everyone know exactly what she wants. She loves to dance and play piano and climb up on the top bunk and jump. She is getting molars right now and needs lots of comfort and kindness. Raising a toddler is such a joy and such an opportunity to be patient and gracious. She is just the sweetest busiest gift and I am so grateful.