Independence All Around

We seem to have hit a stride of independence in our household recently. I write this with fear of jinxing a good thing, but then I remembered that I'm not superstitious.

Sam is a wonderful little guy; however, this three-year-old thing has been tough on all of us. He tests limits and resents our involvement one minute, then throws a fit if we try to get him to do something "grown-up" (i.e. dressing himself, using the potty) the next.

Recently I've realized how important it is for him to feel like he has a job and feel valued. How human of him! I first noticed this a few weeks ago when I appointed him my helper in setting the table. He dutifully, with much self-importance put each napkin, spoon, knife and fork at each setting. Now if I start to do it without asking him he takes over.

Today, Mike and I were in the living room when we heard Sam from the other end of the apartment yelling, "I did it by myself! I did it by myself!" We went and discovered that he had discovered his need to pee, went to the bathroom, pulled down his pants and went, and flushed -- on his own!!! This truly is progress. I had to hold back the tears.

Since then he's gone on his own again and left the house in "big boy underpants", as well as used the restroom at Costco with Dad's help. I know, probably more than you want to know, but this is my life, my blog. :)

As far as Levi goes, our sleep-training definitely paid off! He sleeps now from 6pm until 4:30, then sleeps usually until at lest 7am if not longer. SUCH a relief!

So, as my kids find their own areas of independence, I also find mine. I guess that's what parenting is all about!