Least popular parenting opinion ever, but.....

I LOVE the toddler years.

Please don’t kill me.

My son throws horrible tantrums. He throws things when he’s mad, and kicks me when i change his diaper. He loses his mind if you take away his snacks, and car rides can be deafening if he gets tired of being in his car seat. But at the same time....

• He now gives me big, wet cheek kisses.

• Anytime I enter a room, his face lights up with the purest, happiest smile, and he runs into my arms.

• He has favorite movies that he can quote in half baby talk/half real words

• He is empathetic and kind, and he adores his baby sister. He is constantly stroking her head or helping to feed her.

• He helps me unload the dishwasher, and loves to “help” me cook

• He might have a little boys body, but he still has his soft, fat baby face

• He is my big boy that follows along with me as I read his bedtime story, but then he’s my baby who turns around to snuggle into my shoulder as I rock him to sleep.

• He cries into my shoulder and lets me comfort him when he gets boo-boos, because he knows mommy will always kiss away his tears.

. He reminds me to say “thank you” (even if I’ve already said it)

• His beautiful curls are the envy of everyone who sees them (including me)

• “Fun” is doing absolutely anything with Mommy and Daddy

• He has favorite snacks and foods and it’s like Christmas every time he gets to have them.

• Mommy is his best friend in the entire world.

There are so many other things I could say, but I never knew how absolutely incredible this stage could be. For every annoying and frustrating moment, there are 100 that melt my heart or make me laugh until I cry. If parenting has taught me anything, it’s that every time i think things can’t get any better than they are, they do. But still....

I wish I could freeze time and keep my sour patch kid toddler forever.