To be fair, I know this is normal (well, I’m told this is normal by Erin, who is an experienced older sibling). We’re not in seriously fear-for-her-life territory, it’s just constant pushing and shoving mostly. But it’s relentless. Ellie is fairly steady on her feet but one good push and down she goes. And thus begins the Ellie wailing. And boy can she lay it on thick. And did I mention the other fun activity? Pushing her down and the holding her down. What fun! I do have to wonder what it would be like to be her. To have someone constantly looking to do you harm. How must that feel? Then again, how must it feel to be Leo, to constantly have to share the limelight. I don’t think he remembers being an only child, but maybe he does? I hope that I am seriously over thinking this.
I find myself even more exhausted by the hooligans lately, with this new, violent phase. I know it’s an attention thing on Leo’s part, because he is a completely different kid when by himself (that is, when he’s one-on-one with either Erin or me). I am running out of ideas. The time-outs don’t work. The pattern is send him to time-out, “Leo say you’re sorry.” Then, two minutes later, shove Ellie, toddler tears ensue. Wash, rinse, repeat.
To be fair, he does have transient moments of sweetness. He still brings her a toy while she wails through diaper changes, just like he did when she was a newborn. He pats her on the back when she cries (ironically oftentimes the reason she is crying to begin with is because HE pushed her).
I leave you with a shot of Ellie at the mall play area (I know, ick, but it was cold and wet and I was desperate), taken on Sunday. I'll write more about that experience later. Leo refused pictures, using his best "no!" Exorcist-like voice (another fun new development!).
3 comments:
I just spent a weekend wrestling apologies out of Sophie (who is 5 and has DS) for Annabelle (her 7-year-old sister) and the thing that strikes me is the way these kids can change their minds about one another in a heartbeat. They fell asleep in the car holding hands (damnit, I didn't get a picture) then minutes later, Annabelle announced she wasn't so sure she wanted to be Sophie's sister any more -- and I can't say I blame her (though fatigue has forced the exact reason from my head). I didn't mean to write so much, only to tell you that I absolutely love your blog.
Well, it sounds an awful lot like my house. Let me know if you figure it out.
Again, living my life.
Eli went through a terrible, terrible violent phase with Evan. He's mostly over it now, but he does flare up every now and then. Evan loves his brother, but he's also very wary of him. It makes me sad.
And time-outs don't work. He could have cared less. I also used to make him say he was sorry, until I read something somewhere that said you shouldn't do that. Because the kid isn't really sorry, and you don't want to make them say something that they don't believe. Or something like that. Helpful, huh?
Hope things settle down soon. Peace.
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