Toddlers change in every way

By Jane Han

It's been a while. Six months to be exact.

In toddler time, a lot ― and I mean a lot ― can happen in just six hours or, better yet, even six minutes, so trying to recap six months worth of happenings in this house of three kids under three is close to impossible.

But allow me introduce the biggest events.

In September, Ellen and Ann, the twins, dropped their beloved pacifiers once and for all.

We thought the day would never come, but it did ― and surprisingly ― unbelievably easily.

If you're struggling to wean your little one off the binky, try showing him a horrific picture of cavity-ridden teeth.

Just one freaky photo. That's all it takes.

Of course some explanation as to the connection between pacifiers and cavities is necessary, but really, it was as simple as that and it worked for me.

Since that historic day in September, my husband and I have been getting uninterrupted good night sleep.

Which, theoretically, should give us more energy to care for the twins and our one-year-old Lauren.

Oh, Lauren, my sweet little girl who turned one in January.

There was a time when I thought my littlest one was mommy's little helper.

But in a matter of only weeks, the sweet angel turned into one demanding, high-strung, strong-willed toddler.

Yes, a toddler, which brings our toddler count to three.

Lauren began walking at 11 months and now she's almost faster than her sisters.

Not only is she quick, she's also strong-willed.

Wait, did I mention that already?

Yes, that's how strong-willed she is.

When Lauren has her eyes set on something, she'll stir up every bit of her 13-month-old energy to make it hers. There's no stopping her.

Even her two sisters can't get in the way. Even I can't get in the way.

All of us are hoping that it's just a phase.

But it's no wonder why Lauren has developed such persistent character.

So many things have been happening in front of her eyes since she was born.

She's constantly been seeing her sisters play, quarrel and carry on their wild toddler life, so it's almost like Lauren has quietly been studying and planning her plan of action for when her day finally comes.

Now's the time and we're sort of just letting her enjoy the moment.

Thus, our house is pretty much a circus every day.

I never imagined or realized how loud it can get when three girls are at play.

The noise level is almost equivalent to a room full of chickens.

But despite the noise and chaos, it's priceless to see them enjoy each other's company so much.

Another major event for all of us is the annual grandparents' visit, which began in December and is still going on now.

My parents came for four weeks, and after a few weeks of break, now my in-laws are here for almost eight weeks.

To me, grandparents' visit pretty much boils down to one thing ― the kids get spoiled.

Experienced moms and dads would most definitely agree with me on this one.

It's amazing to have your parents around and see them love and enjoy their grandchildren, but at the same time, little ones begin acting up.

So where do I draw the line? That's the toughest part.

I want the girls to enjoy some level of leniency during this special time, but I also don't want them to think they're the boss.

Two years of age is not an easy time for both kids and parents.

I can see from my twins that it's no doubt a defining period when children really start to develop their personalities, sense of independence and autonomy, and all that other good stuff.

But because of all this growth, our daily routines have, in some ways, become a battleground.

Despite my limitations, I'm still firm on keeping Ellen and Ann at home with me without any schooling until they turn at least three and a half.

Many of my mom friends wonder why I choose to keep all three of them at home, and I tell them, the kids are going to end up in school one day, whether they like it or not, and there's no turning back at that point.

They'll be in school till college or even beyond that.

So I want them to enjoy all the freedom they can ― with me ― when they can.

Just my thought.

So now that we're back after the six-month hiatus, I invite you again to follow the three girls and their daily adventures.