So many of you have been very kind and told me that Braden is an adorable little boy and always seems to be smiling and happy... well he is :) But I thought I'd shed a little light on one of those moments that is typical of toddlers. If this is a story that doesn't interest you... no offense taken, just scroll to the next post. I'm writing about it so I have some documentation. Time goes by so fast and I can't remember all the details of taking care of a newborn anymore so I want to be sure that when we have Baby #2 I can recall that when they are 17 months old this is what Braden was going through.
This afternoon Braden and I went to the mall to get some fresh fruit and veggies at my new favorite outdoor market...I've been there twice this week. I also wanted to get a something on sale at Linens-n-Things. Once we made it to the mall I went to the market first since it was the farthest from us and work my way back. As we were walking through I thought it would be a good idea to make this a fun adventure for Braden and get him out of the stroller for awhile so I took him to the pet store to look at the puppies, kitties, bunnies and fish (he loves it). Next door to the pet store is a toy store so I took him in and they have this huge train station set up for the kids to play with... so we stayed... for 45 minutes when I noticed the foul stink coming from my child's backside that told me we needed to hit the washroom. I paid for what I was getting, and after another 10 minutes we left. HE WAS NOT HAPPY (I think my ears were ringing for an hour). But I held my ground and off we went.
By some miracle - while it was a bit of a struggle - we took care of the diaper business.
Where I really made the mistake was thinking that I had calmed him down and I could run into Linens-n-Things.
HYSTERICS in the middle of the food court in front of the store. Not a little tantrum... full blown. So with a squirming, screaming child on one hip and pushing a stroller with my free arm (he would not get in the stroller... you pick your battles) we left the mall, it was quite a sight. I'll give myself some credit, I didn't get too flustered. You don't really care what the other people think because you're just trying to do the best job you can and are focused on your child.
Who can really blame the little guy, he has a lot going on between a struggle with wanting to be completely independent... and in pain from the last two teeth about to break through... and not a long enough nap in the afternoon... and mom being the big meany that she was taking him away from the Thomas the Train heaven he was in. That's a whole lot for someone his age to be handling.
*what i mean about his struggle with independence is - there are times he wants to roam on his own like he does at home. that means no stroller and no hand-holding, which is pretty tough for me to do with him since he still wants to get into some things and I'm stuck with the stroller too and can't follow him or chase him if he decides to run... (who am I kidding, Braden loves to run everywhere... all the time), so if he won't hold my hand - he has to be in the stroller and he's not always a big fan.
We continued to have hysterics in the car for 3 minutes (yes, I looked at the clock) and he was asleep for the rest of the way home. (I also want to note that 3 minutes doesn't sound like a long time - but it feels like 20 when they are that upset)
What have I learned - it happens and Braden's ok and I'm ok. Occasionally the past two weeks he'll throw a fit (when he's overtired since we're still working on going from two naps to one). He's like a lot of kids his age. I wanted to share this story in case you've been through it, are going through it, or will one day go through it... I've been there too.
When we got home we played with bubbles and read books on the porch enjoying the gorgeous weather we're having... just like it never happened! :) "The Fit" was only maybe 20 minutes of our day together - and the rest of the day was really nice and I can't forget that.
Needless to say I never did get what I needed at the Linens and Things... maybe tomorrow???
3 comments:
You are such a good Mommy! I love reading about your adventures with Braden, and on most days, I wonder...where does she get all the energy and patience to keep up with a toddler?! You definitely inspire me, Mon! I hope I'll be as sensible and energetic and full of wonder when it's my turn! Hugs!
The joys that come with raising a toddler far out way the "fits". Sending you *hugs* from one toddler mom to another!
Braden is so lucky to have you as his mom. I hope to be as patient and loving as you are when I am a mom!!:)
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