My way or the highway

Teddy in Time Out...he looks very affected.

Regular readers know that our little Teddy has a penchant for climbing and being in Time Out.  He has mastered these skills, along with spotting "woof woofs" and "bahbeez".  I had a conversation with his preschool teacher about Teddy and these were her exact words "he is a strong willed child; if he does not get what he wants, you will hear about it."  Hmm....I resemble that remark!  So I have to say he comes by it honestly, I mean, he has 2 parents who are both so "strong willed" that everything becomes a debate--everything, I mean to the point where often because neither side will give on a restaurant location we end up eating canned soup "to prove a point" to the other one.  "Strong willed" is such an interesting choice of words too because that is supposed to be a nice way of saying headstrong or spoiled (or perhaps, something worse?), which hey, those are probably true, but I guess "strong willed" is a nicer way to put that to parents.  Teddy is definitely going to let you know when he is not happy with your plan.  He has also mastered crying on demand, with tears I might add, so you can just go ahead and expect that right after the word "No" comes out of your mouth, in fact, expect it with with the first part of "nnh" that comes out of your mouth.  But then it's so funny when he knows he has done something wrong, and he you can say "do you need a timeout" and this little shy guy emphatically shakes his head "no, no, no" and tries to smile sweetly.  This is how they get you I think--lull you in with their sweet, deceptive ways just to get their way.  MY WAY OR THE HIGHWAY for sure.  I definitely walked into preschool to pick him up and caught him climbing up the radiator to the window again...seriously, this kid is determined.  He will even wait until he thinks you are not looking to try it again.  He also tries this cute new thing of doing something wrong but stopping or putting the no-no back before I can get to him.   Apparently in his world, that means no punishment.....

Hugging Alexander

Which brings me to the other greatest thing to happen lately--our basement is finally finished.  After a couple months of work and some "strong willed" parties negotiating about the carpet, it is all finally ready. (Carpet is such a mystery to me and I was shocked at how expensive carpet can be, but here is one area where I refuse to spend money and Adrian is all about doing it "right"--give me my Gucci any day over nice carpet, who is really going to notice?)   It is a kid heaven--toys, more toys, toys, closets, rooms to explore, toys and a train table.  Teddy loves it and will "demand" to go to the basement, and he has figured out how to turn the doorknob but not that you have to turn and pull simultaneously, thank goodness.  (He has also figured out how to break the child-proof locks on the cabinets, and I read the package to see what it says about this and note that the package says that these are not child proof but that they are merely a deterrent...touche.)  We have had a few playdates with friends to break in the basement and it has been a real hit.  Our neighbor loved it so much, he declared he would just stay with us but his parents thought he should maybe come home.  (In fact, his Mother told me that he talks bout it constantly and every time we see him he asks to come over--too cute!)

Hugging Baby Enoch

I am glad to report that we have (knock on wood) made some progress in the hitting and sharing departments.  He now wants to give everyone hugs, even if they don't want one, he gives them one.  He is also becoming a little bit better about sharing, but only with toys he is no longer interested in playing with, because you best believe that if you are playing with something he wants, he will stalk you and throw a tantrum until he gets that toy.

"Hiding" in the Basement Closet

We are still working on the reflux/allergy issues.  It looks like an endoscopy will be necessary to figure this all out.  I have a new respect and admiration for parents of children with serious medical issues-beyond the emotionally draining aspects of having a sick baby, it is physically and mentally exhausting.  We should all donate to St. Jude's more often, because I am here to tell you, there is nothing worse than having a sick baby that you cannot help.  (I think its the feeling of helplessness that leads to the feeling of failure that is also such an exhausting part of the journey.  Some days I am so consumed by worrying about him, reading Pediatric GI journals and other Internet research that I am not sure how I can focus on anything else.  I imagine other parents feel that same way and just wear themselves out.)

 We are looking forward to Easter and to GrandNan and PopPop coming to visit.  It will be a celebration visit for GrandNan, as we toast her completing the requirements to obtain her Ed.D and officially become Dr. Wandaleen Adams.  We are so proud and cannot wait to celebrate!