Danny is developing quite a personality. It seems like a switch was flipped as soon as he learned how to walk. Now, if you pick him up against his wishes, he thrashes until I set him down again. Usually this occurs when I'm removing him from the bathroom (loves to lift the toiletseat), or when I catch him as he is running right past the stairs to the basement. The super steep stairs that don't have a gate. This also happens a lot when we're out at the house. Sometimes I can let him walk around, other times, I can't because of the debris lying on the floor.
I'm sure my future neighbors think I'm a great mom while they watch me throw him under my arm, like I'm carrying a rolled up carpet, and walk him down the driveway. A driveway he would like to walk down himself, but can't yet because it's too steep, and he tips forward. So I figure the under the arm is better then a trip to the ER.
There are so many things I'm learning. It's like a continuous course in patience. Meal times are getting better. I've learned that by only putting one thing down at a time, I have better chances of him eating. If I really want him to eat the chicken, I need to start there...and that's when I have the most success. Other times, he'll be eating right along, and then decide he's done with that menu item and just spit it of his mouth. Visualize mashed potatoes being oozed out. He has the ability to make that face and discard food that way with just about everything.
He eats a lot of cut up tomatoes, pears, applesauce, goldfish, cheerios, and now one prune a day. I'm sure an explanation for the prunes isn't required. He is a huge milk drinker. To the point that sometimes I have to "trick" him, and give him half milk and half water. It might sound mean to anyone else, but warmed up, it does the trick! If it were up to Danny, he would drink about 64-ounces of milk a day. And that ladies and gentleman, contributed to the prunes!
So, it's milk or water, but no juice. We tried to slip him some apple juice a few weeks ago when we were having "issues", but you would have thought he was drinking battery acid. So even though I'm of the frame of mind that juice is not necessary because it's full of sugar and will rot his teeth, he won't drink it anyway.
I've enjoyed one full out temper tantrum. It occurred on Monday. I was taking him to the park and carried him upstairs (rolled up carpet style) with an empty sippy cup. He was freaking out for the sippy cup, and tried to drink it...even though it was empty. So, I took it from him to put water in the cup, and holy $hit, did all hell break loose! He was all but apoplectic! I had to lay him down on the tile kitchen floor because I was afraid he was going to give himself a concussion. I mean this kid was screaming and crying and giant tears! The biggest, saddest tears I've ever seen. I was kind of in awe by the display. Then grateful I was at home and not in public. Then really grateful only I was home. This was a scene meant for Jerry Springer...not Susie Shafer. I am very much aware that this is just a taste of what's to come.
With all of that said (or written), the absolutely most frustrating meltdown is when Danny is so tired and is crying to be held , so I pick him up, and then he thrashes and cries to get out of my arms...only to get more hysterical once I set him down, so then I pick him up again. Lather, Rinse and Repeat. In these moments, I thank God for my patience, because before Danny, I would not have been able to handle this gracefully. Although, I'm not sure how graceful I handle it now. Maybe the grace is that we're all still in one piece?
With all of the above, I must add some positive highlights.
He loves music. He watched an Elmo sing along last week, and danced and bopped around, and clapped his hands, and was so excited. I about melted. I was almost more fascinated with the fact that the DVD looked like it was filmed in the 70's. Crazy.
He has learned to give kisses. Sometimes this is an all out open mouth wet kiss...and other times it's a lean forwad and bop his face towards yours. Kisses are the best though. Until it turns in to a wet kiss and biting of the nose. Watch out for this. I sometimes get so caught up in the warm and fuzzy of the kiss, that before I know it, he's teething on my nose.
And last, I will sign off with another heart warmer. Danny loves his walks in the red car. Most of the time, Dave and I are holding hands, and I'm pushing Danny. Well, a couple of weeks ago, Danny saw us holding hands...and immediately lifted his hand up to Dave's to hold while walking. So, I'm pushing the car, and Danny and Dave are holding hands. Danny just looks at Dave the whole time. And of course, I'm trying not to cry because it's just the sweetest thing I've ever seen.
This is what gives me the patience during the meltdown.
