Saturday, October 18, 2008

It Ain't Always Easy!


Disclaimer: The content of this entry is not all warm and fuzzy. Sometimes I just have to vent. That being said, I love my son with my whole heart, but man, can he be a pain in the butt sometimes.

Living with a 2 (alomst 3) year old is not always easy. Heck, it is damn right tough at times. Alex is so strong-willed that sometimes I feel like I am constantly fighting a losing battle...

He loves to play the opposite game. No matter what I say, he says the opposite. For instance, I say, "I love you Alex." And his response, "No, you don't love me." The other day someone said to him, "I like your new house." And his response was, "No, you don't." Alrighty then!

His favorite word is stupid. Everything is stupid. Whenever he gets mad at someone, that person is stupid. Whenever he doesn't want to do something, that activity is stupid. Whenever he doesn't want to wear a particular item of clothing, it is stupid. Today he said, "Momma, you are always stupid, everyday." YIKES! I have always prided myself on being pretty smart, but apparently Alex disagrees.

He has absolutely NO filter. If he thinks something he says it! If someone talks to him and he doesn't want them to, he will tell them. The words, "I don't want you" come out of his mouth constantly. If he doesn't want you to touch something of his, he will let you know it. Sometimes if he really wants to get his point across, you may get a little push, hit or headbutt to go with it. But God forbid if someone doesn't share with him. Yesterday, my nephew was opening his birthday gifts, and Alex wanted to play with them. He kept saying, "Share, Ukey." According to Alex, Alex is the center of the universe. And he is not only possessive of his toys, but of his baby sister as well. The other day we were shopping with my parents and my dad was pushing the stroller. He was screaming that Pop was stealing his baby sister. We sure got some looks!

And boy is he literal, to the point of obnoxious. The other day he was watching a dvd, and I wanted him to help me pick up the playroom. He refused, so I told him that I was going to turn off the tv. He looked me right in the eye and said, "Momma, it is not the tv, it is a movie." (I told you that he thinks I am dumb).

Everyone tells me it "is just a phase"..."it is just his age"..."he will grow out of it." And in my heart, I know that it is true. He just has a lot going on in his little life and that he is just testing his boundaries...over and over again. But I am ready for another phase. I am so over the "terrible 2's." I always joke that his teenage years are going to be nothing compared to this. And let me tell you, it is quite scary when people smirk at that remark....

But then again, there are the moments that I cherish that give me glimmers of hope. (I can't help myself, I have to end on a positive note). The other night he wanted me to lay with him. I said, "You don't need me." He said, "I do need you. You are my momma." Ahhh. I knew my sweet baby boy was in there somewhere. And those glimpses are what is getting me through this very long phase!

6 comments:

The Beynon Family said...

Jamie, I wish I could give you a hug. I know it has to be so hard. But, you are right, he is in there, just getting adjusted to all the things going on his life. Your sweet little Alex will be back soon. I am saving this post because in a few short months Preslee and Mason will be two and I am really scared!

Mark said...

Jamie - Since I have no direct experience in child rearin' myself, all I can surmise is that you just have to keep on doing what you know is right, and Alex will do what's right in the end. I don't blame you for venting, and you can vent on me any time you wish! Hang in there - maybe you could write a book about all this and help other young mamas with what you learn!

And for the record, we all love you and want you and need you.

Anonymous said...

Jamie, it is fine to vent. I know you are going through a difficult time with Alex. But, it will pass. We love you all and will always be here for you.


Like Laura said, I wish I could reach out and give you a hug.

princealexsmomma said...

oh now I feel bad. although he does drive me batty - the post was meant to be more funny than anything. I know one day I will look back on this post and miss the terrible 2's

Anonymous said...

No need to worry, Jamie. The tremendously terrific, thrilling threes follow the terrible twos, and they are coming in December. I asked Alex when he thought he would want to share, and he said he would when he was 3. So, there will be peace on earth in time for the holidays! Love that boy!

Mom2Miles said...

Oh, I can so relate to this post! Miles gets around the "stupid" ban in our house by saying, "Mama, I'm not saying stupid to you." Toddlers sure do test you, that's for sure! Everyday brings a new battle, it seems like.