Rigid Toddler?

I knew today was going to be a doozy because three late bedtimes in a row never make for a happy day! Evie did pretty well at home this morning as long as she was doing what she wanted which involved 10 pieces of paper and three crayons. She had some type of system where she'd color on each paper for approximately two seconds before moving onto the next piece. That was fine with me, she was happy and quiet so I could get ready.

We headed over to The C's house so Courtney could help make a pelmet box for me. I literally did nothing at all to help. She is so crafy and quick! I wish that just an ounce of her creativity could magically be transferred to me.  Pelmet box fits window perfectly so now it's time to find some fabric. Evie was a wild woman engaging in screaming matches with Campbell and generally not happy at all! Oh dear, it was a rough morning with Evie and I left their house holding her while she screamed to eat lunch with her boys. She was fine once she had some lunch and went down for her nap super early. Thank goodness, she slept for 3.5 hours because I needed a break from her. I did a few things for the nursery and worked on a few other orders of business that I have been procrastinating on for several weeks.

She woke up pretty cranky and started asking to have lunch with her boys again. Evie was not understadning that 4:00 is not an acceptable lunchtime for the average person especially not a 2 year old person. She settled down with the help of our good friend Caillou. I am not sure that I could make it through a day without Caillou. Evie is mesemerzied by this show.

While Evie was occupied, I opened my email and found this:

You may have noticed that your 2-year-old isn't exactly the most flexible person in the world. Her little brain is trying to understand how the world works, and once she gets a concept down, she expects it to stay that way. Having things happen the same way every time reassures your preschooler and gives her a confidence boost ("I knew that would happen!"). That's why she likes to sit in a certain chair or goes bananas when her cracker breaks in two.


Thanks Babycenter for helping me understand my 2-year-old! I needed this reminder especially when Evie had a total meltdown and about lost her mind at dinner. She did not like that ranch was on her plate without any carrots. Evie kept repeating, "No carrots, that dip for carrots not cumbers." I was amazingly patient and showed her how the dip was indeed fabulous on cucumbers too. Oh dear, I am going to need an extra dose of patience to deal with her if this continues or gets worse as all my mommy friends have told me. Needless to say, it was Carl's turn to put Evie to sleep tonight.

   Evie did hug my neck today and tell me that I was the best mommy and that daddy was the best daddy. Now, that makes it all worthwile but I could do without the tantrums!