Parenting-When it is Not Just a Season

Soon after becoming a mom, I learned from the veteran moms out there that most stages in parenting are just around for a season.  Some seasons last longer than you would like, say Cole's not sleeping through the night till 20 months old, but most things will pass.  I have found that you don't want to obsess over any of these troubles too much, because as soon as you solve one parenting problem another steps up to take the place.  This has been especially helpful to me the second time around.  When Cecily was unbearable with colic and grumpy, I just imagined her as a one yer old totting around and knew I could make it through. 
The thing is there are parts of my second little one that seem as if they are here to stay and these bits of her challenge me to the core.  Thankfully, there are many wonderful personality traits that have helped balance out the lurking concerns over some of her not so sweet behavior.  Today though I almost lost my mind when she got so angry at her brother for snuggling into me that she blasted him in the face with a heavy metal Thomas the Train.  A good friend and mentor once said that God designed our children just for us, I won't challenge God's choice but wow this little one sure keeps me on my feet!