October 13, 2013

Reality

Parenthood is really humbling.  The last 48 hours have been pretty trying for my patience and sanity.  We ventured out to Target on Friday to grab a few presents for a baby shower and cousin's birthday party the next day.  I usually don't take my children Beckett along on trips where I have to buy toys for someone else, or just have to pass or enter the toy aisles in general.  Cue panic attack and the most epic tantrum of all time.  My generally sweet and level-headed child, who can usually be reasoned with and talked out of selfish toy-wanting moments was not having it.  He put the toys back that he was demanding moments before, but as soon as we started to leave he got worked up again.  Then he started with the body thrashing and ear-splitting screams of "no" and "put me down".   After he starts double-fist-punching Jeremy in the head, he has to be carried under the arm football style to the car so I can buy the gifts as quick as possible.  On the way to the car he starts viciously scratching and biting Jeremy.

We get home and put both children down for a nap because we desperately need to recoup from the episode that just happened in public.  Lincoln's usual routine for naps now that he's in a toddler bed consists of playing for five minutes and then falling asleep on the floor.  Well that day he decided to mix it up by removing his diaper, pooping on the floor, and then painting a mural on the wall with his new art medium.  Then he gets into bed while leaving traces of poo on the wood of the bed as he climbs in.  He then sleeps and awakens with now crusted-on crud on his hands.  Not the scene I was hoping to find after I came out of my shower.  I was emotionally spent after cleaning him and his room.

But Saturday was a new day right?  Nah, my kids decided to keep things interesting.  After playing an amazing soccer game in the morning, Beckett sits at the table for the post-game snack.  A few minutes later he decides he's ready to leave, and stands near the exit gate.  I tell him not to leave the gated area, turn for two seconds to help Lincoln, and Beckett's out of sight.  He ran all the way around the building towards the parking lot...cue mommy panic attack.  We leave after having ANOTHER conversation about obedience.

The rest of the day was actually quite pleasant being spent at parties and with friends.  Just as Jeremy and I are getting into bed that night, we hear Lincoln start screaming.  He then proceeds to have his worst yet bout of 'night terrors' lasting over 30 minutes.  If you aren't familiar, it is when a child is stuck in a dream-like terrified state where they can't stop crying/screaming, and they won't open their eyes and can't hear you trying to calm them.  You basically have to stay with them until they cry themselves awake, because nothing you do will stir them out of this state.  I've noticed with him that he tends to have them on days where he ate a lot of sugar (thanks a lot birthday cake).

Sometimes you just have to laugh.
"Is this real life?"