Toddler Dictionary

Now you, too, can speak Toddlerese fluently. It may seem that there are typos or mistakes in this; No, that's how they really talk.

   Glaramous - Full of or characterized by glamour. 

As in, “I wook glaramous in dese beads.”

   Yummalella -  large oblong or roundish melon with a hard green rind and sweet watery red or occasionally yellowish pulp.

As in, “Pwease may I can have some mo’ yummalella?”

   Zoon - In the near future; shortly. 

As in, “I poop again zoon, Aunt Dinah!”

   Ah-luv-ya  -  The beautiful female baby who lives with us. 

As in, “Baby Ah-luv-ya, don’t be sad. You’re not awone.”

   Woohd  -  Ill-mannered; discourteous. 

As in, “My fwiend did a Woohd, when she throwded her peas.”

   Nursus -  Either of two milk-secreting, glandular organs on the chest of a woman. 

As in,  “Becca don’t have (indicating her chest area) uh…uh…uh… nursus!”

   Fink – To ponder or consider.

As in, “Mommy! WHAT are you finking?”

   Pin - turn around rapidly, as on an axis; twirl; whirl.  

As in, "I wearing a tutu, I pinning awound!"

   Baldy - Eighteenth century composer of "Four Seasons." 

As in, "I wike pinning awound wif Baldy!"

   Lullo - The color of bananas. 
As in, "Barney singded a song bout lullo."

Please feel free to add more as you think of them! Hope you smile and have a great day!

Mommy's Lament

I used to know this lady.

She was a person who knew her own worth, and you could tell that just by looking at her. Her make-up, jewelry and clothing were not the most up-to-date or expensive; but planning, care, and taste were evident in them. Her hair and nails and skin were well-cared for, and her best features were enhanced with thoughtful restraint.

She loved many people very well, and was well-loved in return. Her limited time, resources and energy were used intentionally on things that were worthwhile and important. She and her husband lavished each other with affection. They laughed often, pursued hobbies together, and had many shared goals to work toward as they anticipated their future.

She was fit, a Marathoner, even. She had friends who were good influences and encouraged her to strive for achievement professionally, physically, intellectually and spiritually. “Just Do It,” was more than a cliché in her world-view. It was a way of life. Unencumbered by inertia, she navigated obstacles and negative influences to be a person who respected and inspired herself.

Where did she go? I miss her. Was that really me?

Now I am Mommy and Aunt Diana, primarily. I am not sure what others see when they look at me, but I see someone with a lot of potential who has let her “self” go. I know these crowded, child-rearing years will not be forever, but before (in a former life, it seems) I found I was unable to blossom as my own self while I was drowning in “mommying” the first time around. It wasn’t ‘til I became an empty-nester at age 36 that I was able to act on what I knew was best for ME. I am terrible at putting my needs and wants as a top priority. Do I really need to wait another 18 years before I can grasp that concept again?

I am a firm believer that my actions will teach my kids way more than my words will. I want to be a good, healthy, fit, and productive example for my precious girls. Can I fake it til I make it? I need prayer, inspiration and a swift kick in the pants.

I am a toddler.

I can dump it out- but not put it back in.

I can open it- but not close it.

I can dirty it- but not clean it.

“Help me do it ALL BY MYSELF!” is my insistent battle cry!

I want what I want when I want it, and all I understand is that I am not getting it.

I am emotionally incontinent, loud and demanding.

There are things I want to tell you, but I lack the words, the patience, and the social awareness to know how.

What do you mean, “Hitting hurts people?” I do it all the time and it never hurts me!

I am egocentric and haven’t learned about others’ perspectives. “How would you like it if he did it to YOU?” means nothing to me.

This transitioning to independence is HARD. I say, “Go away I am not a baby!” and “Please come here, I need you!” in the same breath.

I am clumsy, exuberant, energetic, and a mess!

What do you mean it’s a good thing I am so adorable?

Believe it or not, someday you will wish for these crazy, crowded, exhausting days back again.

I am a toddler, but not forever…..

Someday I’ll be an adolescent.