Ups & Downs of being 2

Today was possibly the worst day of Max's life.
Maybe not...
but it sure seemed like he was extra contrary, stubborn, and full of eternally long tantrums.

I think he cried from 7-9 a.m. - straight! He got sent to his room to calm down from tantrums a handful of times.

I keep thinking his hard days are due to those 2-year-old molars that are about to burst forth... but I think I've been saying that for 6 months. But when behavior slightly improves after Motrin?? ... oh, who knows.

I thought a trip to Walmart to buy diapers might be a good diversion for him... only he was mad that I made him sit in the cart. Sorry bud, but I can't take 3 boys to the store and let my 2-year-old run around. I wouldn't survive very long.

I decided that I needed to win the BATTLE of the TANTRUMS today. ... hopefully the tough times today will make the tomorrows a little easier.

I know if the tot would eat and sleep when we offer it to him, he would do better. We even offer him healthy & tasty foods that he generally likes.

This afternoon he finally took a wee little nap. He was quiet (no crying) for several hours. Yay!

Then after Max ate a slight bit of soup, pears, & crackers, we gave him a bath.
He had a tantrum about bubbles - which abruptly ended his short bath. Sad.

7 p.m. - early bedtime. phew.

Then we sat down for family home evening without Max.
And ya know ...
I missed him.
Our family wasn't complete without our Maxwell.

I love that he loves when we sing at fhe ...
he really only lasts through the opening song ...
but as long as he lasts, he sure smiles during that one song.

I love that he says his own prayer mentioning all his favorite people and words while someone else is saying the family prayer.

So - in the end ... we need Maxwell.
He brightens many a day.
When Max is happy, he is really happy.
See him in this photo from yesterday...
He just wanted to help me make dinner. So he pulled up a chair & helped stir the peas. I took this photo because I kept noticing that Max has a natural smile (when he's pleasant).

See the LIGHT in his eyes.
Yes, we'll keep him! ... forever more.