things I have going for me

Parenting a three-year-old is an adventure filled with beautiful, heart-touching moments. And moments when I feel myself searching for the last dregs of patience in my being. In spite of the daily challenges, I feel my son's love and admiration every day, and it's wonderful to be special to a little person like him. I know the relationship we have right now is going to change, and he won't always wrap his little body around my leg and say "Aww, I yuzz you" on a daily basis. Discipline is also likely to change. For the moment, I'm thankful that I have a few things going for me that make this whole adventure feasible.

1. I can read. This is not only the kind of skill that inspires a sense of awe, but also makes me useful to have around. My son like to have books read to him at bedtime, of course, but he also likes to have things like his Thomas the Train catalog posters and toy construction equipment labels translated for him.
2. I'm taller than him. So while he can help himself to boxes of cereal in the pantry whenever he wants (which is often, and preferably when we're busy doing something else), he can't yet reach the freezer and get those goodies he really likes, like Creamsicles and Mini Magnums. This allows me to make sure he's getting proper nutrition and not just helping himself to treats all the time. A side benefit is that there is a special feeling one has for the person who gives you delicious frozen desserts.
3. I am so very loveable. I am cuddly and fun, and I push him in the swing for hours. And play Legos and provide voices for all of his toys (remember this one?). Of course, my son spends the vast majority of his time with three people: my husband, me, and his aunt (who is also his nanny), so his options for picking and choosing who he likes are pretty limited. But let's not talk about that. He expresses his love in such an endearing way, it warms my heart and makes the difficult times worth it.
4. I can still pick him up. If someone is giving you the business, it sure is nice to be able to physically pick them up and place them in something (i.e., a crib) that they can't get out of until you are satisfied they have learned their lesson. It's unfortunate that I can't do that with, well, anyone else who disagrees with me.
5. I know how to operate the computer, television, and Wii. And he doesn't...yet. He is scarily close to understanding how to use a mouse, and he is already better at using my phone and tablet than I am. I'm so not prepared to face this plugged-in world that kids and parents have to deal with today, but for now, I can put those worries off for another day.
6. I am hilarious. Since having a kid, I've become an expert at slapstick comedy. He also thinks it's hysterical when I mispronounce a word (usually after trying to figure out what he has said). I remember from my own childhood that this sure doesn't last long, so I'm getting all the belly laughs out of him that I can right now.