Best & Worst of Toddlerhood (all in one weekend)

[cafemama]

Saturday was a blissful day with Spence. He was fun, happy, well-rested and a ton of fun to be around. It was a day packed with lots of fun, hugs, and happiness. I wish they could all be like that.

Yesterday was beyond difficult. I thought it would never end. From wake-up to bedtime (an hour early because we couldn't take another hour), he was on the verge of throwing a back bending, head pounding tantrum. We tried to make the best of it, but we ended up leaving the playground and then the frozen yogurt shop with a ear-splitting, screaming boy. By dinner, I couldn't take much more, but he had more to give. He refused to eat the vegetable lasagna I'd just made for him. Then he also refused cheese, blackberries (which he'd just eaten 2 hours earlier at the froyo shop!), and apples. Finally I gave him Veggie Booty which he happily ate and ate and ate as I watched in defeat.

I suppose this roller coaster is just part of toddlerhood and I need to accept it as the norm. I do feel like he gives me a much harder time than he gives his dad or the nanny. He also hits me and tries to hurt me which I don't see him to do to anyone else. Do you think at this age, he's already punishing me for being away too much at work? The consolation is that he also loves me harder than anyone else, so I guess I'll just deal with it and hope we have more good days than bad.

Here are some pics from the good part of the weekend when Spencer discovered that glorious invention: the flashlight. He chased the light around the room in amazement.

[ElectricMommy]

Mar. 31, 2008 at 12:29 PM Such a handsome boy!

[bugsmombrie]

Mar. 31, 2008 at 12:32 PM

Oh I feel for you!  I totally understand what it is you are going through right now too ~ my son just turned three and unfortunately he is STILL behaving this way.  It's toddlerhood - welcome to the group!

 As far as the hitting goes, my son does this too and yes, he is hitting you because he loves you fiercely and also because he cannot explain his reasons.  My 3-year old can't either.  But hitting us reassures them that we understand.  Does that make any sense?  I don't think so...

Good luck and have a happy week!

Brie