What’s Behind Door #2 – Mommy Blogger

02/16/2018

My name is Amanda Braschuk. I’ve been married to my amazing husband Paul for 5 years, together for 8.  He works away from home which can make life a little crazy when I’m parenting solo.  My daughter Zoey is 2.5 years old, she is the most beautiful little girl I’ve ever seen.  My son Asher is one, he is incredibly handsome and really mischievous.  I also have two dogs who think they are human, which is only fair because in this house fur babies are family too

By the time my daughter was six months old I was regularly expressing to my husband how fortunate we were to have such a terrific baby. She was regularly sleeping through the night by 10 weeks and although she wasn’t the most distinguished napper she was an amazingly happy baby throughout the day. Sure we had rough nights and bad days but they were few with her. On more than one occasion a few friends would joke I shouldn’t have a second baby. Apparently if you’re blessed with an “easy” baby, experience shows your second will not be as effortless. Looking back now it is highly possible they were accurately warning me, not harmlessly teasing.

My daughter carried out her daily discoveries with caution and awareness. After she was told something was off limits or “no” I could essentially expect she wouldn’t venture where she wasn’t permitted. I could trust her to play contently while I’ll tackled preparing a meal or various daily duties. My son on the other hand, pedal to the metal, open throttle and full speed ahead. My husband and I joked his first birthday present would be a tattoo reading “seek and destroy.” He is so fearless and daring its heart stopping. He’s a climber of everything. Objects you would never imagine could or should be climbed, he will demonstrate otherwise. Nonstop, he’s on the move, keeping me on high alert. Can someone please explain how they are so fast? I’m not even sure I could get on top of my kitchen table in under 30 seconds, how on earth does a 20 month old? Don’t ask, get him down. Tell him no and explain the dangers. Wait 5 minutes and repeat.

I’m quite convinced I will never come to terms with the amount he eats. My daughter had a healthy appetite whereas my son is a borderline glutton. I have found two things he won’t eat, broccoli and quinoa. Everything else is fair game. Everything.  He’s taken apple cores from the garbage, I assume believing there is still some apple to be had. He’s done the same with watermelon rinds and carrot peelings, among other things. Anything which may have been food or might possibly be eaten needs to be checked out (read: licked). Why child, why? You do not have to dumpster dive for sustenance. You eat well but it doesn’t have to be your only daily activity. It’s not his only activity…he has a passion for opening items. Doors, cupboards, drawers, dishwashers etc. etc. etc. He is especially fond of objects with buttons or latches and locks. He locked me in our garage one morning when he was 17 months old. Despite my coaching efforts and sweet requests to ‘unlock the door for Mommy’, strangely enough he proved unsuccessful in his unlocking abilities, imagine that. I walked to my front door very thankful for a keypad system, I don’t know how I would have made it back inside otherwise. Guess where my son was upon my entrance? In the garage! Of course that happened.

I was never naïve thinking my second child would be a replica of my first by any means. I was fully aware children, humans, are individuals. This really comes to light when you consider two children raised fundamentally the same and yet two distinctive personalities. My personal nature vs nurture experiment? In between Lego building (throwing) and colouring (eating crayons) my son enjoys regular breaks for snuggling, hugs and kisses. This is unique to him as my daughter wasn’t a very cuddly baby or toddler. My son loves to simply be held and have his hair stroked or his back rubbed. I call it refueling because the tranquility doesn’t last long before he’s back up chasing a dog or tormenting his sister. Ultimately I am beyond thankful for two healthy thriving kids. Several elements of parenting are tough. I embrace the parts which come easily such as loving your kids and accepting the uniqueness making them who they truly are. Even if it is some garbage eating mountain lion with no ability to adhere to instruction.