My Little Girl and her struggles to grow up

Rebecca has been having a rough couple of weeks.  Of course with each outburst, whether it be biting, hitting, throwing, screaming that she is afraid of the dark, her fear of bees and biting flies comes the sheer frustration for all of us that she has to go through this at all.  When Emma chimes in and says things like, "Rebecca if you would just do what Mommy says we would all be happy and wouldn't have to hear you scream;"  it makes me take a step back and look a little deeper.

So, I sat down and did a little research on all that is going on in her little head.  She is gaining so many new skills but along with those skills comes a still growing maturity and understanding of the world.  She so badly wants to keep up with her big sister, but there are things that she is just not able to do yet.  As we all know, that is not an easy thing to explain to a 2 year old.  She doesn't want to hear that she may not be able to do it yet, but give it a few years and you'll be a pro.  She just gets so frustrated and with her impulsive nature, just lashes out in whatever way she thinks if first.

When we put her to bed tonight she just screamed and cried which just breaks my heart because she used to go down so easily.  With her new found fear of the dark comes with it a new found frustration for her Mom who is just so exhausted at the end of the day.  I have just had to pray that God will give me that little extra patience to get me through the end of the day.  I have had to stop my selfish behavior of just wanting some peace and quiet at the end of the day and realize that my little girl is really going through some tumultuous times.  She just wants to know that she is safe and that nothing is going to hurt her or scare her in the nighttime.  

So, tonight after reading an article that said to sit and talk with them about their fears, I went back upstairs to her and took her from Brian's arms and just rocked with her to reassure her that Daddy and I would never put her in harms way.  We would always protect her as best we know how.  I sang her "Hush Little Baby" and "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and watched as my baby fell asleep and went limp in my arms.  I pray that we are teaching her that we, as her parents want only what is best for her and that she can count on us, even if we (I) am just wiped out.

Lord, please watch over my baby girl as she sleeps and send sweet dreams to her.  Let her wake up refreshed and ready for some new adventures tomorrow.