For the most part, I write about the happy, fluffy aspects of our life as a family of three. I want this place to certainly remain that way. Pictures and happy times to document Theo’s life so he (and Jay and I) can look back and have memories of many wonderful times as Theo grows up. Of course, Theo is/will always be the love of my life, but I’d be foolish to not document the hardships, too. Plus, I could use an outlet for the stress and frustration.
The past few days have been tough. He’s clingy, needy, gets super frustrated easily and screams, and just doesn’t seem as happy 🙁 I’m not sure if it’s due to Theo being sick with a cold, or due to new phases, or due to his nap schedule being a bit off and therefore he’s not as well rested as usual. Or all three! See, that’s the hardest part, not knowing. I realize how lucky we are/have been to have such a mellow, happy boy. Seeing him like this is so difficult. I want to help him but I don’t always know how, or there is simply no answer. It certainly makes for feelings of inadequacy! Taking him outside is usually the best solution. He likes taking walks in the stroller and, of course, going to the playground. But, that’s been tough with him having snot running down his face all day for nearly a week. I don’t feel right taking him to the playground like that.
He has also been super tough with eating lately. I’ve always thought that he wasn’t the easiest eater in the world but lately he’s been driving me bonkers. Sometimes he eats great, and other times it’s on the floor, half chewed and then on the floor, or just not eaten at all (of course he thinks this is fun and I’ve tried the ignore method, the reprimand method, and the you’re done eating method). I read that I should think about his food consumption as a weekly average, instead of a daily average. That has helped but not with the issues other than the amount he eats at each meal. I need to get more inventive and exploratory with his eating, so I partly blame myself. Is he just sick of the usual repertoire? Surely we all get tired of the same old, same old.
I know that parenting is not easy, and that it’s also the best, most wonderfulest (is that a word?) experience I will ever have. I know we will get through these bumps along the way… it’s just hard to feel that way when you’re in the thick of it. I need to exercise more patience and try to have less control over the things I can’t (and probably shouldn’t) have control over.
Marci……A few comments….First as you know you have been blessed and fortunate to have such a sweet wonderful little boy. Yes,,,it can not always be perfect. All you mentioned is very likely to be the problem,,he isn’t feeling great….is restless,,,,and tired, that makes for much grouchiness..Like the dog whisperer says about dogs who get restless,whiney and antsy,,it works on people, EXERCISE EXERCISE EXERCISE,,or like you said, outside, run around,, expound that energy,,Then, once inside all is ready to be calm and relax…i think,,,,Food will be eaten when hungry……He is a healthy weight and not starving,,You are a wonderful mother, do not feel inadequate, this to shall pass….And///thats one to grow on…I love you,,…momeeee
Marci, from what I hear down the pipe from Grampa Joe you are a great Mom. I remember when Kimberly was sick…..I always knew she was getting sick because she stopped eating. But it passes.
Thanks so much Aunt Pattie and Uncle Hootie! I hope you both are doing well and getting through these tough times. We are sending many well wishes. Lots of love to you both!!
Aw, I know what you mean. I know from my own experience that when they have those rough days it feels like it’s going to be the new normal. You sort of get tunnel vision and lose perspective. But it will pass, it always does. Also, Tylenol works wonders. It’s not like he can tell you his head is stuffy—colds suck. Try it, I bet he’ll switch back to his old happy self. You are a GREAT mom, Marci. You were meant to do this.
Thanks, D! You always know how to make a Mama smile 🙂 I can’t believe I didn’t even think to give him Tylenol. Figures… I always torture myself that way. He seemed much better and happier today, thankfully. Love you!!