October 3, 2012

Fits and Errands

my discerning guys - that poor pumpkin just didn't stand a chance!
 
Twenty-two months is a wonderful age, Little Smith makes me laugh out loud everyday. He is trying so hard to talk and mimics everything we do. He's pretty much the cutest thing ever... except for when he's not. I am really trying not to harp on this, because I know it is all a completely healthy part of his development, but the tantrums and snits and meltdowns can really spoil an afternoon.
 
 
When we are out playing at the park or enjoying family time he is a perfect angel, but accomplishing the simplest errand has become such a hassle. Lately the bulk of his hostility has been directed at grocery shopping. He used to charm all of our fellow shoppers with his adorableness, now he sits and scowls... pointing and whining at things he wants, things he doesn't like (and presumably would like removed from the planet), things blocking his view from other things he wants... so delightful.
 
 
The best is saved for last, the dreaded check-out. He seems to think all of our groceries are being stolen from us and no matter how many times I explain that we will get them back, the whole exchange makes for a giant flip-out. Giant. He has also taken to doing this at the library when we check out books, at the post office when we 'give up' our letters... the kid does not want to part with his stuff and he's not messing around.
 
Except that I get the feeling he is messing around, with me! I'm working hard to stay firm, set boundaries, discipline, but Little Smith is working equally hard to play me like a fiddle (don't worry I'm not giving in, the same can not be said for pop!).
 
 
I do know that this is normal, that he is a wonderful kid and everyone goes through some variation of this. I also know that not only will this pass, but that there is much much more to come. I know. And I keep these facts in mind when I am trying to return something at Target and find myself apologetically explaining to the cashier that 'he's having a little trouble parting with things' as the wails and crocodile tears flow.
 
 
Getting anything done lately can be a pretty big headache, but somehow every time it gets really nutty Little Smith turns it around and decides to be a sweetheart. Luckily he's also got that cutest thing ever deal going, it sure doesn't hurt.


15 comments:

  1. I am sure this time will pass Lilly! Something seems to happen to children when grocery shopping. My youngest is 3 and I am only just starting to feel slightly relaxed about this chore :)

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  2. He is just far too adorable! I'm sure he can get away with anything : ). Xx

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  3. I know it's easy to say and when you're in the moment it feels like it will never end, but it does and it gets a little easier with time...it just takes time.

    I save up all these little bits, memories of each different phase and recount them with much laughter especially with my older son who is just that bit older to understand. Even now though - he has his phases....teenagers 'aarrrrgghhhh!'

    take care,

    Nina x

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  4. I remember that period in my rascals life - before one know it it´s over and done with. :-)

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  5. Have I mentioned that I am so glad I survived the whiney stage 3x? I could tell you a horror story about Thing 1 & the library {with marble floors & columns perfectly designed to carry her aggressively dramatic meltdown throughout the entire structure}, but I will spare you the trauma. You have a really good handle on it-- just keep on keeping on & he'll figure it out.
    And for the record, I adore the pic of Big & Little Smith inspecting pumpkins like its their job {or they are doing a variation of Hamlet}-- just classic.

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  6. Oh man. I am not looking forward to that stage. But the trying to talk and all the cute stuff that goes along with that age will hopefully make up for it.

    Do you read the Honest Toddler blog? Or follow him on Twitter? His blogs are hilarious and right up your alley with what you are going thru at the moment.

    (if you don't already read them, you can find his blog in my blog roll... I laugh out loud as I read them and Alice isn't even close to being a toddler yet)

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    1. I don't know that blog, I'm excited to check it out- laughter always helps!

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    2. That is the funniest blog ever! You should expect to spend 3 hours reading and laughing!

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  7. We recently went through an anti-cart phase with Gus and it was AWFUL, so I feel you on that. The looks people give! We seem to be on the other side of things but I've had to sit Gus down on the ground for a "breather" or completely remove him from the situation too many times! If you guys shop at Whole Foods they have a Kids Club thing at customer service and you can pick out a free snack. It really helped us. Good luck!!

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  8. OH NO! Such a rough time. Hopefully he moves through it fast! If it makes you feel any better, Emil (who is a mere 13 months old) HATES shopping carts of all kinds and finds a way to stand up in them even with seatbelt firmly in place. It makes grocery shopping nearly impossible, especially since he arches his back trying to get out of the carrier if I try that. These boys sure keep up on our toes!

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  9. He sure has the intense look down pat. :) I can only imagine what it must be like to function out in the world while he is just not having it, but I admire your keeping boundaries and standing firm. While our little Izzy is only a week old, I have nieces and nephews that are Little Smith's age or have grown through those stages and I know what a challenge it can be when they start testing their boundaries and testing you as well. Stay strong. :)

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  10. I think that just under two stage is a wonderful one - but each stage passes so quickly. Just ignore the behaviour you don't want, use distraction techniques, and reward the good behaviour with your attention - it really does work, even if it seems a struggle at the time!

    Pomona x

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  11. Haha! I am right there with you with Rowan. I keep thinking if she wasn't so darn cute, she'd be in the trash :) Hang in there. It does get easier!

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  12. I hear ya! Those kiddies can be difficult. My policy was (and is) to not take them grocery shopping whenever possible. When they get older and starting asking for everything, it gets pretty bad too! If I could go back, I would be less embarrassed about their little fits in public. It's really not anybody's business but yours!

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  13. oh my oh my... i do love the way you wrote this, especially bringing light to the fact that kids can be such little jekyll and hydes. i used to wonder if that in itself was normal! and yes, they're so lucky they're cute. ; )

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