Wednesday, August 15, 2007

The light at the end of the tunnel

Well, I think I have finally seen the light. For Jackson that is. Today was a hard day for me. Not the first half. But from nap time on it was a disaster.

Originally I was supposed to go to the park with a couple of girlfriends. Libby showed up at 11am, and since Ellie was still napping, she said she didn't mind waiting until she woke up. When she woke up we went to get in the car and Libby couldn't find her keys. We searched everywhere. And come to find out, I had them in my bag. Along with MY keys as well. Opps. I thought for sure Noah had taken them somewhere. So, on the way to the park, we stopped to get some lunch at Great Harvest (my idea. . . shocking I know.:)) and by the time we got to the park we couldn't see our other friend anywhere. Libby called Jodelle and found out that after waiting over an hour for us she left. It was ALL my fault. I felt so bad. So, I called Jodelle and we all met back at my house to hang out. It was fun. Aside from Noah getting bit (I think). We are still trying to work on the communication thing. And then all the kids were ready for naps.

After everyone was gone, my boys decided they were STARVING. (I did make them lunch, but they wouldn't eat it.) Clearly it was a stalling device. And it only made me more and more upset as the begging and whining continued. "Please Mommy. I'm starving. Just one more yogurt. . . . blah blah blah." That was Jackson. Noah was more like this, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!! GEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!! NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!" All while slamming his body around. And those noises were in the highest decibel you can imagine.

Up the stairs we went. I was mad. And poor little Ellie was just bearing through it all. :(

When I put Noah in his crib, he continued to freak. And Jackson just covered his ears with the pillows. I went to put Ellie down and she fell right asleep. But soon woke up to Noah's outrageous screaming.

I went in the room to settle him down but it only made things worse. And I tried all tactics. Screaming back, threats, sweet talking, love, cuddles, scary faces. You name it, I tried it. But remember the days when we would start crying, turn into a monster and lose ALL control? That is exactly what happened.

So, I removed Jackson from the room and put him to sleep on my bed and closed the door. I then sat in the bathroom with the fan on and tried to escape it all. Any of you that have seen my house and the size of it know there IS NO ESCAPE!!!!!!! So, after awhile, I went to read a book. Noah was still freaking.

Finally Jason came home. Dinner was ready. Banana bread in the oven. And after I cleaned up Ellie's MAJOR blow out (up to her arm pits and covering her back and the swing seat) she had another bath and we ate dinner. But before we began, I informed Jason of my day and the lack of happiness it was for me. He had a little talk with the boys. We'll see if anything changes. I seriously doubt it. But. . . here is where I can see the light!! Was everyone wondering when I was going to get to the point?

Part of dinner was a side of veggies. Noah LOVES to eat veggies. So we always have them for him. And the last year or so I have completely given up on expecting Jackson to eat them. Too many lost battles over that one. But tonight was different. I was still a bit on fire if you know what I mean and told him that he WAS going to eat them. And he did. Scary mom works after all. :)

Jason and I had told Jackson that when he is 4 years old he will have to start eating fruits and vegetables. But the tables have turned!!! I am a new mom with a new son. :) I will let you all know how long this actually lasts. But for now, I can see the light! Who knew having a child that eats his food can make you so happy?

5 comments:

Rachel said...

congrats on getting mean mommy out of hiding to get some things done =) I dont know if you can be mean. I can give you some pointers

Sandy said...

Man, I was definitely feeling your pain as I read about your day. I actually started sweating a bit as parts of my stressful days flashed before my eyes. Random side note...I am typing this as I am watching SYTYCD and Mayah just came up to me and said "What's more important, me or the TV?" (with hands on hips) Funny huh? At this time of night sometimes I don't know...my shows are definitely my way of relaxing after a crazy day!!

Brooklet said...

Oh, for the simpler days when getting together with friends wasn't so complicated. Glad you did get some fun time in there.

And what a big step for Jackson!! Next step- fruit!

Trimbles said...

HAHA!!! I just love reading your stories! My mom used to have a song she would sing "Im the mean mommy in the neighborhood, in the neighborhood, in the neighborhood...Im the mean mommy..." you get it. ;)

Tanya said...

I'm not seeing that light here in this household yet...give me some pointers.