THE VIEW FROM HERE

It's funny that Wanda should mention the "terrible twos" in her column this week since that happens to be a dilemma, or phase, with which I have become very familiar in recent months. It is also the reason for the frazzled state that seems to be norm to me lately as I chase my daughter through grocery store aisles and search for feet beneath the clothing racks at Wal-Mart, trying to discretely scold her for hiding as she lets out a shriek of laughter, very satisfied and full of herself for a brief moment.
Too often, I find myself beckoning for her to remain at my side, begging with frustration at times, as if her young, yet very independent mind has been somehow conditioned to block the sound of my voice, unless of course key words are spoken - words such as cookie, swimming pool, Happy Meal, or park, too often components of a bribe for good behavior.
I know. I know. But desperate times call for desperate measures.
Don't get me wrong, we couldn't enjoy our daughter more. And I must admit, the twos are also a very fun and interesting time for these new parents. Alex seems a sponge for knowledge and is constantly sharing her newfound wisdom as she explains to me how grandpa gets the cows in and out of the stanchions, or pulls the identification and care tags from grandma's flower pots and tells me what they say, leading me to believe that she's reading it even though she's merely repeating what she's been told.
It's moments when she says, "Look at the stars mommy. Alex doesn't know how to reach them," that nearly completely fade the lingering memories of the tantrum she threw just before her afternoon nap, during which time I, too, sought a quiet place to recuperate.
In short, it has and continues to be these swinging times of sugar and spice and everything nice to devilish mischief and behavior that have been the most intense learning experience for myself and her father as new parents. Our daughter tests our bounds and, in turn, we must test ways in which to effectively maintain, sometimes regain, control of our household.
One truly doesn't understand the power of a two-year-old until one has the "opportunity" to live with one. Surely it's just a phase, right? Perhaps it's practice for what's in store 14 years down the road.
Heaven help us!