Monday, March 03, 2008

There's a Monster in My House

( This was taken at 22 months... doesn't she look sweet?... She was.)

Two and a half. I don't wish it on anyone. Today, I've been screamed at for the wrong show, hit, kicked, ordered to jump on the trampoline, ordered to get up and jump higher while taking a rest on the trampoline, ordered to run faster around the perimeter of the trampoline 'till I was almost in tears (out of frustration, not pain... but it was pretty exhausting AND nauseating running in circles like that!), screamed at to come outside, screamed at to paint, screamed at when the TV "broke", hit when I was trying to offer grapes and grapes were not wanted, kicked while trying to hold the ankles extending from a poopy bum (which is NOT good--- poop+angry movement= bad news and therefore...), essentially pooped on, cannon-balled onto from the the coffee table while sitting on the couch (her knees landed on MY extended shins- felt good), screamed at for painting with the wrong paint brush....**


Cried on when she dropped her water cup on her little toe, kissed whenever I ask for it, snuggled with during 6 am toon-time, smiled at with the sweetest pride when I gasp at the beauty of her paintings, laughed at with the heartiest belly-laugh when I run so fast on the trampoline my feet slip out from under me... and then there's that thing where she cups my chin so soft and stares at my face. That's my favorite.


So maybe it IS all worth it. I didn't plan on writing paragraph number two. She's actually been driving me perfectly and completely and *incandescently MAD.


*Probably doesn't really work in this context eh?
** And yes don't worry... all sorts of time-outs, lectures, nice-mommy, mean-mommy, I'm trying everything to no avail. Or so it feels.

Biiiiiiiiiggggg...........sigh.

15 comments:

Missy said...

Oh Lillie, I just love you. This post made me smile. I loved paragraphs number 1 & 2.

She is a doll. Tell me she is coming in March (and TELL me you are too).

Kimberly said...

Oh, how I can sympathize. I had a bad week last week, and felt exactly how you do. It always seems to build up when the hubby's are gone/busy/or never seem to be home at the right moment to rescue you times. I know Ross will be home today right? But, call if you need a moment without the toddler.

Jessica said...

All I can say is your not alone in this, so vent when you need to, call a baby siter when you need a break, and know that this too will pass.

It's good that you can still write paragraph two, that just means you can still see your sweet little girl amid the monster.

Mrs. O said...

Being two is very hard work ;)

Lacy said...

Oh Lil- hang in there! Why are they such lunatics some times?

Jen & Johnny said...

It does get better and worse!! You are not alone!! Hang in there!!!

The rlmmmmcaress family said...

She is a perfect angel at our house, maybe because in the midst of others with the same temperament, she feels at ease in the world. McK is out and home by 12:30. Bring Sophie to play with my girls. We have a Pump It Up! party at 5:30, so we can even drop her off to you at 5:15. Any time during that window is fine.

Some of this is typical terrible twos. Some of it is missing Ross. Some of it is trying to figure out her relationship with you since Mila came between the two of you. She can't express all of those emotions with words, so you get all her frustrations. It gets better. It gets a lot better.

Christin said...

Kids can literally suck the life out of you. That said.....you can't help but love them to death.

Christin

D-dawg said...

Great post Lillie. You really summed up age 2. So hard and so worth it too because of the cuteness. I hope today is better! I loved the mental image of you running crazy circles on the trampoline!

Lindsay Griffeth said...

Oh man, sorry Lillie! I got a mild version of my first tantrum from Nate this week...I can only imagine him being 2. Yikes! Hang in there!

Tara said...

Ditto to everything Lisa said about all that's going on in her little world. -How crazy would we go if we didn't have anyone to talk our feelings out with, or even just venting? Being two's got to be hard.
But from the Mommy perspective...I think anyone who has experienced a 2 or 3 year old, has had those days! (Love the irony of the adorably sweet picture with the following paragraph!) Ü

S.A.S. said...

The picture is beautiful - when she's being nuts just look at those eyes and wait it out... like until she's 4. Kidding, of COURSE you have a bundle of energy, it's only fitting. I'm so sorry about the frustrations, but am sure you're the best mother. She's lucky to have someone who's willing to work with the madness. If you ever need anyone to relate to her as she develops 'oldest daughter syndrome', I'm totally here.

Really REALLY want to see all 3 of you in a few weeks! Please!!!

erica said...

Oh no! My sweet baby turns two next month and now I'm terrified! Do they all become monsters for one year? Does it last longer than that?

Michelle said...

my first comment didn't make it on here yesterday...technical difficulties. anyway, I was just going to say that your description of playing on the tramp proves that she is in no way doing this as a revolt against an un-fun or un-caring mommy. in her eyes, she has the coolest mommy on the block. so hang in there, pretty lady...:)

talking with you is my favorite new 10:20pm activity, thanks!

Jlowryjr said...

I have some parenting books to recommend, because, wow.
Ever heard of Baby Wise? Changed my life!

Someone watched American Idol last night methinks.