My Little Jekyl & Hyde

Some days can be a challenge with a toddler. Unfortunately, you can't plan ahead of time because you don't know when those difficult days will strike in advance. Well, at least most of the time. As I get to know my two-year-old more and more, there are moments when I can easily predict we will have a tough day. 

For example, I thought this past Thursday might be tough because my parents were leaving that morning after a week long visit. I was right. However, I had no idea how hard of a day it would be. It was a day in which my sweet daughter, Ginny, thought it was funny whenever I said, "No!" She would have tantrums when I removed objects from her or moved her away from her sister who was happily rolling on the floor. I was in misery. I expected it, but it didn't make the day any easier. She missed the love and attention she had received from her grandparents, but was unable to express it so she acted out.

The next day, Ginny was an absolute angel. She was helpful. She listened. When I said, "No!", she didn't challenge me. She accepted it and moved on. She was kind and gentle with her baby sister, Grace, and the dog, Daisy. She and I were able to play and have fun. We read books, tickled each other, played with toys, and laughed. It was a good day.

In the last 24-hours she has transformed back to the little imp, a little hellion. She is back to not listening very well and throwing tantrums. It is a milder form of her behavior on Thursday. I am thankful for at least that much. But the day has not been without its trials. While she adores Grace, Ginny doesn't understand that loving her doesn't mean smothering her, literally. I keep repeating the phrase, "Get off of your sister." She doesn't stop. This morning I needed to remove Grace's roly poly self for her own protection. Ginny kept trying to lay on her or sit on her. You might think my picking up Grace would solve the problem. Oh no, it did not. Instead, Ginny tried to climb on her sister while she was in my lap. 

In the midst of the art fair, Grace fell asleep & Ginny started
to complain she was stuck.

I was grateful that I had decided earlier in the week that we would go to the Springfield Farmer's Market downtown this morning. After fighting Ginny most of the morning, I looked forward to getting out and about. Basically, removing my daughter from the temptation to misbehave and me from getting high blood pressure and a headache. 

It was a pleasant morning at the market. Admittedly, we got there a bit late, close to 10:30 a.m. I needed a lazy morning and waited to go after Grace's nap. The next time we go, it won't be so late because many of the stalls were already quite empty if not sold out. I figured there would be more goods since the market is open until 12:30 p.m. Obviously, I was wrong.  I hoped to find some fresh produce that I could get for making baby food for Grace. It is early in the season, and there wasn't much out there beyond some lettuce, rhubarb, and green onion. Oh, there was also asparagus, but I ignored it. I hate it and won't bring it into my home. I did happen upon a stand selling fresh pecans which made me quite happy. Fresh pecans are wonderful! So much better than what you find at the store. I guess I will now be forced to bake a pecan pie. 

As we were walking along, I discovered that downtown Springfield was also hosting an art fair. I love art fairs! I enjoy looking at art and imagine buying some of it. So, I pushed the girls in the stroller through the art fair as well. About an hour passed and Ginny was getting frustrated. She was done and let me know about it, saying "I stuck." We headed for the car and then home to eat lunch.

Now, the house is calm again. Ginny isn't having a tantrum and is listening quite well. What made the difference? She is taking her nap right now. I am in heaven and enjoying the silence.