Meltdowns, Sweets and "Nein"

Parenting has been a challenge this week.  Or to be more specific, being a patient parent has been a challenge.  Remaining calm in the light of Nora's new fierce fits (since almost anything can make the tears roll and the screaming begin) is my goal.  Each day is colored by sweet moments (cuddles, kisses, new words, fun adventures) and dancing through the minefield of tantrums.  

I try and remember all the advice from books, articles, online, friends, and family...but in the heat of the moment, when it's her 48th fit of the day, and it's only 11:00am, I falter at times with my grace and soothing words.  My voice tightens, my tone harsh, my words stern.  And then I apologize, embrace, and sing...(or drive directly to my moms).

In the battle of the screaming toddler vs. the exasperated parent, the victor is already decided.  I appreciate all the parents with older children who have been honest about their own struggles, sincere in their sympathy, and reassuring that there are only 12-18 months more of tantrums. *Cocktails, anyone?

This morning's "getting dressed" video is shared with love, patience, and friendship with all the parents of toddlers in the world, especially Claire, who should be next to me right now drinking a giant glass of wine.

 

My Grandma Lola's sister, Kate, is also in town. Can there be more gorgeous octogenarians? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Her special visit meant a family gathering at my mom's...topped off with pita.  Three varieties of buttery sweet pita.

 

 

 

 

 

 

And rides on trains.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

And some tears mixed in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

But love (and food) were abundant.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A weekend that ended on the sweet note of Ruby's entry into toddlerhood.  Hmmm...I see a pattern with these toddlers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

"Life is a bowl of cherries."  Or, at least, if you have Carrie for a mom.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For at the end of the day, if your name has been glued in a mosaic of candy and beans, you know that there will be oodles of hugs and shoulders to help ease the waves of tears.

 

 

 

 

 

And lastly, to show off Lulu Bell's fabulous German comprehension, is a very different type of morning chat.  She even said her first German word today, "Nein," of course.  But I'll take it.  She says, "Nein, nein, nein," all the time and she isn't mocking Hermain Cain.

Comments

[Aunt Kathy & Uncle Shane]

OMG that last video is AD-OR-able!!! Her little scraped nose, and the tiny little "no"...and hearing your lovely German (as if I am any judge of any non-English speaking :) What fun.

Nora also seems to hate clothes as much as Rebecca! But yes, the Nora-spice is in no shortage is it!?!?!

Love and hugs to you all from the very chilly PNW...

[Courtney]

Jonah and I loved the videos! We both laughed through the first one! Especially Daniels expression...priceless=)