That's right. Mommy is leavin' early for the day. Bring on the tv and snacks. I've had about all that I can take for now. This little kid (shown left), though he looks completely innocent, has proven that he has it in for my washing machine. Remember that little $180 bite out of my washing machine? Well, today he broke the knob off of it. Not just pulled it off, actually broke part of it off so that it won't stay on anymore. I am SO MAD! So cliche, but why is it that I can't have anything nice in this house?Have I mentioned that this kid gets into everything??? I'm not kidding. EVERYTHING. He likes to pull stuff out and just leave it on the floor. This drives me crazy because I'm picking up toys and clothes and books and Janelle's hair stuff and DVDs and cars and pillows all day long! And if you know me at all, you know that I am a major clean freak. Yes, he's learned to clean up as a result of all his messes, but it's still an effort on my part to get it all cleaned up.
Besides the washing machine and picking up all day long, I am just plain tired of feeding this child. He is incredibly picky. The only vegetables he'll eat are the baby food ones...yes, he's 17 months and I'm still buying baby food. He refuses to try anything new. Seriously. If I put something in front of him that he's never seen before he won't touch it, even if I know he'll like it. Sometimes he won't even touch foods that he's eaten before and liked. I can't tell you how many bowls of food I have cleaned up off the floor lately. Although I have to mention that I actually do make him clean his messes up off of the floor if he throws food down there. (Even though I still have to clean up the majority of the mess.) I'm starting to think that I should just feed him outside from now on. At least I wouldn't have to mop every single day! Usually if he won't eat something I try to find at least something that he'll eat. But not today. I'd had it. After dumping chicken noodle o's all over his high chair and the floor I just stuck him in bed. Maybe if he wakes up starving he'll actually eat something other than cereal and crackers.
Am I being mean? I know he still doesn't understand a lot of things, but at the same time I don't want to promote bad behavior. And I've realized that he understands a whole lot more than most people give him credit for. Please, send me your ideas on disciplining an 18-month-old. 'Cause I sure as heck don't know what I'm doing! You'd think the second time around I'd be a little more experienced. Ha ha! Guess not. I remember Janelle being a stinker at about 18 months too. I'm starting to think that I don't like this toddler stage.
Now that I've ranted on long enough about how frustrated I am with my "sweet" little boy, you should know that I love this little boy like crazy. He's a major momma's boy, and I know he doesn't mean to create such chaos for me. So when he wakes up and I go to get him out of his crib and hear his sweet little, "Hi Momma," attached with a cuddly hug, I will focus on that moment to get me through the rest of today. Until then...thank heavens it's nap time!
14 comments:
Laura, Sorry you're having a hard day! I'll admit, I had to laugh while I read that! Spencer amazes me with his ability to create damage to large appliances at such a young age! I still laugh whenever I think of that picture on your blog of that perfect little bite out of your washing machine. But, I know it's easier for me to find the humor in it, since it's not happening to me. I think I started using time-outs when Avary was that age. Maybe when he throws his food, or does other things you want him to learn not to do, you could stick him in a playpen (without toys) for a minute or two. Every kid is different, so it's hard to know what will work. Good luck!
i have no suggestions at all,except, get a dog. at least the daily mopping will be done!!
good luck.
I should have advice for 18 month old boys, I raised two of them. 18 months to me-- seemed to be a tough age, that little stinker-ness comes out! My best advice would be to BE PERSISTANT. He's testing you.... Boys can be so distructo!
Believe me, after the 1,856th time of cleaning up books pulled out of the bookshelf,I wanted to rip all my hair out and go roll under my bed for about 5 years. BUT-- there will come a day my dear friend that the hard work will pay off. That you will once again be able to sit throgh an ENTIRE Sacranment meeting. That bibs will no longer be a necissity. That you won't have to put your breakables on the high shelf. ENJOY IT, becuase even though it is tough, it goes way too fast!
I'm sorry you're having such a rough day. Hang in there!
I have no advice either. I will have to hunt down a couple of posts from my SIL about her little boy, it will make you feel better. :) (or worse if it's what is to come)
Shay- Genius! Spencer hates his pack 'n play so it's the perfect time out. Thank you for the idea, I will definitely be trying it.
Laura I love the honesty! I know that I can't really relate having never been a mother, but I find 18 months old to be a very confusing age. Its hard to tell what they understand as wrong and what is just innocent baby behavior. I remember calling my mom after a dinner time with Tommy, the eighteen month old that I nannied for D.C. It was like every other dinner that ended up on the floor. I was desperate to understand why he doesn't get that it makes me unhappy when he throws food. I still don't have the answer but my mom did take me away from my frustrations for a little bit. My goodness, I admire you mothers so much. You do this full time, and raise wonderful children. Spencer really is adorable.
Yes, little boys are lots of fun. I have two bits of advice:
#1 - You nailed it: you CANNOT expect to have anything nice in your house. You're just asking for trouble and disappointment if you do. Wait five years, then buy your nice stuff.
#2 - Hunger is a great motivator. If he is only offered the food you want him to eat he will eventually eat it. Getting through those first few days will be miserable, but no child will starve to death before they eat green beans (P.S. I got this idea from my pediatrician, if that gives it any credibility).
Well, that's a boy for you. Ben is still in this stage and is now 28 months old...not to scare you! We've seen some definite improvements, but I also think the key is consistency and persistence, like Emily said. That, and get a dog, like Becki said...them cleaning up after Ben's meals is the only reason I haven't given ours away yet! Hang in there!
Hey, Laura. Peeked at your blog thru another blogger. ;) Just wanted to tell you that I soooo know what you're feeling. Jacob is our high maintence child in the sense that he is hard to please and don't even get me started on the destruction factor. Sometimes it is enough to wonder why we were given a boy?? And like you, while I wanna tear my hair out by the end of the day, you just can't but love him and want to squeeze him, esp. when he puts your face in his hands and says "my mama". Then all of a sudden it seems half-way worth it again!
Heres to a better day for you!
Cindy Bennett
Thanks everyone for your well wishes and advice. I think I've formulated a few discipline ideas regarding time outs and eating (thanks Shay and G!). And just so you know, today was MUCH better!
Cindy- So glad you commented, thanks for visiting our blog!
kindof sounds like my day! ugh. To get Kaitlyn to try new foods I usually hide it in her foods she already likes. I gave her the tiniest piece of a green bean with something she likes then I gradually put in bigger pieces. I hope it goes better tomorrow! THANK goodness for those cuddly hugs!
I can relate, let me tell you! On a totally unrelated note: Maybe it was your dad being in town (even though I told him not to come again w/out you last time) or maybe it was the fact that I had a headache and couldn't sleep, but last night I kept dreaming (half awake) that you and Kyle moved here and bought the historic Elm Motel and turned it into a bed and breakfast. There's an idea for you:)
Kristen- That is a really funny dream. (BTW, I told my dad to bring you back home with him next time!) I told Kyle we should move out to St. Johns and open his family therapy practice...but a bed and breakfast works too. :)
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