Better than bad to worse.
Yesterday was a bad day. Falco woke up acting like an ass, and I was short on patience so didn’t act so nice myself. Having a kid that keeps hitting you, intentionally getting into trouble, and laughing when you get mad about it is not a good match for a grouchy mom. (It’s unclear if I was already in a bad mood or if he brought it out in me.) On top of our rotten moods, he refused to nap, which really sealed it to be one of his worst days ever.
Today, on the other hand, was great. He had his first dentist appointment this morning, which I was kind of dreading and expected the worst (the worst being screaming and crying and restraining). We got to the dentist, and there was a TV in the room. The extremely nice hygienist turned on Baby Einstein, and for a kid who isn’t allowed to watch television, it was like crack. She talked to us for a while and explained everything to Falco in a fun way, and he was very cooperative. She was able to brush and polish all his teeth without a fight, and she said he was probably the best one-year-old she had seen. The dentist came in to count his teeth and whatnot and said he looked great. Then he got to pick a prize out of the treasure chest (drawer), and he was very proud of his new ball and sticker.
This afternoon, I took him to a couple places without our usual restraint system of a carrier or stroller or shopping cart. We went to a cafe and got a coffee and cookie, and he very politely sat in a chair and ate his cookie and talked to other customers. Then we went to the grocery store, and he stayed with me (somewhat) and helped carry the groceries (kind of). Afterwards, we went to the garden store, where he walked around and smelled flowers and even carried his own plant to the car. It was like going on an outing with a real human being instead of a baby (or the spawn of Satan he was yesterday). He is pretty excited about his plant, and we’re going to put it in the ground tomorrow. I’ll make an effort to not let it die, but I’m not making any promises.
Alice said,
July 30, 2008 @ 7:38 am
It’s like the poem..”and when she was good she was very very good and when she was bad she was naughty.”
I love having great days with the kids where they act peachy and we stop for coffee somewhere. And then there are the days when I’m pretty sure the neighbors can here me going off. Will you be having a #2?!?!
Ooo..and you’re mighty good. I could not exist without TV for the kids. I limit it, but I honestly need a good hour every now and then when nobody bothers me.
andi said,
July 30, 2008 @ 8:39 am
@Alice The jury is still out on #2, but if we do it won’t be for a couple years. I don’t think we can cope with toddler Falco and an infant. I’m doing good just to keep up with him most of the time.
I definitely see how things would be easier if he watched TV! We’re going with the recommendation of no TV until 2, but then I think I’ll let him watch a little here and there. Even now, I turn on Blue’s Clues to cut his nails or sometimes if he is inconsolable for some reason. That’s why I’m so desperate for him to take his nap — it’s my only break during the day.
Jennifer, Playgroups are no place for children said,
July 30, 2008 @ 10:02 am
My son has been so horrible these past two weeks, everyday is seeming like the worst day ever. In fact, I was thinking of making his first dentist appt. just to get back at him. This post, though, makes me think my revenge could backfire.