samuel’s advice for toddlers

Thoughts of wisdom.

From Samuel, who is two, to all other toddlers out there.

1} Wake early. It’s best to start loudly talking in your crib. Make sure to begin with the words wake time, momma, wake time. Then when your mother comes in to get you at 6:17 am make sure to tell her love you. She will immediately forget that it’s 6:17 in the morning and instead will scoop you up with your favorite blanket — mine is a John Deere blanket. Chances are that you’ll get a nice cuddle time in the rocking chair.

2} Breakfast time. Since I eat only gluten free I always remind my mom to get the gwoo-ten fwee bread out of the fridge. We have to keep my bread in the fridge — the gluten free kind doesn’t last as long. Now, if your mom is like mine, she’ll probably only fill your juice cup 1/4 full of orange juice. Drink it quick, while she’s still standing there so that you can easily get a second helping of juice. And eat all the crusts on your toast. Even if you eat gluten free like me. And only buy Udi’s Gluten Free Bread — it’s the best.

3} Running. I progress to running circles around our main level. If you are blessed with this option make sure to capitalize on it. Especially while everyone else is eating breakfast and before school time starts. I love to run. And run. And run.

4} Hide. Under our island makes a great little fort. Find a hiding spot. And stake it as your own.

5} Snack time. By now you’ve had your lunch, but you’ll need a snack. I just keep asking my mom, over and over and over and over again. Often my older brothers will hear the I’m hungry lament and very quickly we’ll all start asking. This works one of two ways — either we’ll all get a snack or we’ll all be sent to our own spaces to play and we’ll miss snack time. So judge mom’s mood before proceeding and remember to smile super cute.

6} Always listen when mom reads. Chances are she’ll be reading quite a bit — my mom reads to my family many times throughout the day. Listen to her no matter what she’s reading even if it’s the biography of George Washington. However, I really like it when pages with pictures come. And if you listen, you’ll get to sit in her lap while she reads. That’s the best.

7} Nap time. Probably my most favorite time of the day. I don’t get those kids that don’t like to nap. I love it. I sleep 3-4 hours in the afternoon and often my mom has to wake me up. She tells me I sleep so much due to having had Celiac Disease that was undiagnosed last year. Moms worry sometimes, but don’t let that bug you — it just tells you that they love you. And in case you were wondering —  I simply like to sleep. 🙂

8} Dump out toys. Make sure to devote a solid chunk of time to dumping out those boxes of toys that are so neatly put away. They make a glorious sound when tipped over. And if you’re really feeling creative you can always empty out several boxes and mix. Just be careful regarding the reaction — some days this doesn’t go over too well. Just smile and look innocent and cute in the middle of all of the piles of toys that you carefully arranged.

9} Pajamas. Look adorable in them. Sometimes if you look super cute you’ll get to stay in them all day and get pictures taken. Plus they’re super comfy. Seriously, now, there won’t be that many years where you can get away with wearing tight striped pants like that. Remember these pictures my sister took for my mom of me in my penguin pajamas? Adorable.

10} Love you’s. Constantly tell your parents those words. They need to hear that — they give so much of themselves for us. So I tell it to my momma lots. And I give her mega-hugs. Never stop the hugs. Never, ever, ever. Hugs are forever. At least that’s what my momma tells me.

My advice? Cherish these busy years. 🙂

Of course, I’m linking up Samuel’s wise words with Carissa’s Miscellany Monday.