the highs and lows of parenting a toddler

My son is almost three. I can't believe it! This is such a fun age. We have the most hilarious, insightful, thoughtful conversations. It's also such a frustrating age. Why can't he just do what I ask him to??

I find that our days are full of highs and lows. Here are a few.

High: He can really help around the house now. He loves to vacuum. He loves to clean windows. Yesterday, he became obsessed with picking up his toys. Hurrah!

Low: He wants to help with everything. Mama's sewing? Let me help by pulling everything out of the sewing box. You need these pinking shears? How about this tomato-shaped pin cushion? What can I cut with these ultra-sharp sewing scissors?

High: He's getting really good at holding conversations and making logical arguments. Here's an example:
    
     C: I don't like this book anymore. I want to give it to somebody else.
     Me: Ok.
     C: Probably they will just give it back to us.
     Me: Why?
     C: Because this book isn't very fun.
     Me: Probably someone will like it.
     C: [Thinks] ... Maybe old people.
     Me: [Laughs] Maybe.
     C: Our neighbors are old. We could give it to them.

Low: For no apparent reason, while we are watching "Thomas the Train," he turns to me with a terrifying grimace on his face and pinches / pushes / tries to otherwise maim me. "Mama, does that hurt you?" he asks, innocently. Uh, yes. Yes, it does.

High: Periodically throughout the day, he turns to me and says, "Mama, I love you."

Low: Mr. Giraffe displaces me on the pillow next to my son at bedtime. "Give Mr. Giraffe more room, Mama," he says, as he pushes me practically off the bed. At least I know where I rank.

High: When he realizes I'm really leaving for the night, he wraps his arms around my neck and gives me the tightest hug, like he can hardly bear not to see me for the next 8 hours.