Open Defiance

I recall having baby fever a few months back. I was ready for number two. Those of you with older kiddos assured me that this phase would pass once my precious peanut was mobile and chatty.

Leighton is decidedly both.

Not long ago, Leighton was incredibly sweet and cuddly. She ate well and peek-a-boo kept her giggling for hours. She traveled well - even in the car. You could set your watch by her nap schedule - her timing impeccable.

She demanded little more than food, an occasional nappy change and to be read a good book or three. My perpetually bilssed-out cherub couldn't run away from me - She wouldn't want to anyway.

Now, Lei saves the serene compliance for Grandma or Kate, our nanny. I, on the other hand, catch hell. The list of demands is astonishing.

Up. Down. Up up up again. AHHHHHHP!

This juice, not that juice. Duh.

Nap time blankets are not the same as bed time blankets. Tantrum.

"Cah" suddenly means car, Kate, caw, cap  and, as I learned this morning after several excruciating minutes of running around the kitchen touching every object ... avacado. Fuck me.

No mama, I want to sleep all night with my sweaty head on your collar bone. If you try to move, I will fluff your face like a pillow and head butt you no less than three times.

I got slapped yesterday for taking away her specially-designed-for-toddlers saftey spork. I didn't react, so she threw the bowl of eggs on the floor and cried as Lue scarfed them up.

It's exhausting - kinda fun when you have another adult to share your disbelief - but exhausting nonetheless. Leighton is equal parts prankster and snugglebug, badass and beeb - wholly loving and terrifyingly fearless all at once.

I'm sure it's her age and not so much me. She can still be sweet and silly and is much smarter than she was even yesterday. Still, that sassy side packs a whollop. Lately, even Kate is starting to feel the burn. And Lue? She gets the heck outta the way. 

I probably shouldn't take it so personally. Lei's testing her boundaries and I am the obstacle standing between her and absolute anarchy. I am un-fun to some degree. Bummer. I can feel you nodding - you wise moms with older kiddos.

I know. This too shall pass, as did my baby fever - supplanted by the unwelcomed wrath of an openly-defiant toddler who switches gears at the drop of a hat.  At least one aspect of little Lei remains consistent - her timing is still impeccable.

Were any of you surprised by your tot's boundary testing behavior? I have to ask ... how long does this last? Please comment and share your fuss with us?

Comments

[Jen Freeman]

Oh Lord. Lei took her diaper off this morning. Is Lue the next target?! Maybe we need to talk about what I should expect over the next few months - I'm not ready for it ...

[Jackie]

He only get a time out for big things....like hitting another kid, taking his diaper off and peeing all over his play pen, and unlocking the screen door and walking outside by himeself. Then lately more so it's been taking things away, like for example he was beating the dog with his toy hammer, so it gets taken away then if he refuses to stop. It is so tiring, it's like a constant battle, that i always lose! Oh well, it adds excitement and a lot of WTF moments!!!!

[Jen Freeman]

I feel like negative reinforcement won't work until after at least 24 months, so I don't bother. I just focus her somewhere else. It's just so damn exhausting! :)

[Jackie]

I am 100% in the same boat lately. He just does whatever he wants to do. And he doesn't care if he is going to get a timeout or not, he will do it again! It is really exhausting! As my Mom keep telling me just enjoy it because this too shall pass and you will be sitting here having your 27 year old tell you about these same problem!

[Jen Freeman]

Thanks Joyce! It's funny the things you remember even so many years later. A chainsaw? Really? :)

[Joyce Stoner]

Oh, I remember those days! My daughter once brought down a whole exhibit shelf including a large chainsaw at a railroad museum (why were we there? Her older brother loved trains!). She's graduating from high school in two days and she's still testing the boundaries. But on the bright side, there are breaks between the stages and there are bright moments when they're sweet, cuddly and compliant!