[using his bike basket as a little chair]
Testing. crying, and Mama, Mama! MAMA!
We are dealing with something entirely new since we returned from vacation. We have always given Marty his pacifier (the mimi) only in bed, only for sleeping. At a time in his life when I am ready to phase it out entirely, his demand for this thing has gone crazy. If we have an unstructured moment between eating, lincoln logs, and rocking horse he disapears to his bedroom, returning with the thing firmly in his mouth and carrying his pillow (mo mo) closely. Then heads for the couch for a snuggle.
That's when it starts.
Me: "Marty, the mimi is only for your bed."
And from him, a muffled response: "mee mee, mo mo"
Me: "are you sleepy for nap?"
Head shaking. "Nowwww." (his pronunciation for no.)
Fotunately, I'm ready for this showdown this time around. I hold firm, say little (ask him to hand it over) and he is the one reduced to a ferocious ball of energy on the floor, which I ignore. When he's done, there is much hugging and I shift gears by reading a story (without the mimi.) He probably is tired, but our nap has to be pushed back temporarily a bit for scheduling some other family obligations.
After going through similar, yet different issues with the two girls, I've learned that what is commonly refered to as the "terrible twos" (horrible name) is merely a matter of little ones testing boundaries and their frustration at not being able to communicate. They need to learn NOW that Mama & Papa have rules and authority and this will help them feel secure in the long run. He won't remember this phase, but will hopefully get the early form of this lesson.
This should only last a couple more days so I am happily unphased. I'm just creating diversions and keeping him busy to reduce the incidents. It's important to catch these things before they are allowed to develop bad habits. Part of my job.
I was not so confident the first and second times around. Hope it goes as well in life as it sounds on paper.
