Right on cue

By Elizabeth S.

My son was always a bit unpredictable, and I often noticed he ventured into uncharted territory (such as tantrums and fridge-climbing) well before his playgroup peers. I would get sympathetic glances from other moms, and sometimes not-so-sympathetic ones. We had a rough couple of years with him.

So I was very relieved when my daughter came along and demonstrated very early on that she had read and memorized the textbook. She was a textbook baby in every sense of the word. Maybe even more perfect than textbook.

She was conceived on the first try. She was born on her due date. She was born, specifically, at two minutes before 10 p.m., which was very convenient for our family doctor because his shift ended at 10 p.m. She weighed exactly 8 pounds. Not an ounce under or over. She was offered the breast and knew exactly what to do with it. When she was done, she went to sleep. She followed to the letter the "Easy Baby's Guide to Life."

When offered solid food, she decided she quite liked it. All of it. Even steamed broccoli. She was always agreeable, pliable, and generally happy. She smiled at strangers and charmed them easily. She was affectionate but not clingy. She was sweet but strong. She was absolutely wonderful. A dream kid. And after the challenges of our son's early years, we felt we deserved her.

But recently, she reached the chapter of the guidebook titled "You're Two: Here's What To Do," and my world has changed. The sweet face that beamed at strangers now scrunches up into a scowl that provokes double-takes. The tantrums have begun. A recent shoe-shopping trip saw her throwing her baby doll and cup on the floor and kicking at the poor man trying to measure her feet. I swear she would spit if she knew how.

These days, when she wakes up from her nap, I don't get outstretched arms and smiles. I get the under-the-eyebrows-glare and a 10-minute screaming session during which she claws at me to be picked up and then kicks at me to get down, over and over until I give up and walk away.

All I can say is, I wish the textbook would revise the second chapter, and I can't wait for her to close the book on it! My hope is that she will continue to be predictable, and outgrow this phase within a year. Or two.

Comments

[amy s.]

Textbook child here, too. Two has been interesting for sure - but still not half as bad as I've heard from other moms. I think my textbook kiddo was sent to me on purpose, as I'm not sure how much more I could handle some days. :)

[Tami]

I could have written this post! What a relief to hear that I'm not the only mom whose perfect little girl is turning into a terrible two! This week has featured:

Very loud tantrums in public places that feature the very well enunciated words: "You're hurting me!" (For the record, no one was touching her.)

Reports from the daycare staff that she intentionally poked a younger child in the eye and, when asked to say she was sorry she replieed "No. I don't want to. I'm not sorry."

I could die of embarassment. Fortunately, there are more moments of joy than of sheer terror about what she'll become. A hug or a spontaneous "I love you too much, mom." puts my mind at ease - at least for a little while. As Amy said: "It's all a phase..."

Good luck! Hope to read more about your adventures in the world of the two year old!

[northridgmom]

My second daughter will be two on April 30th. I think she's entered this stage, also. I'm looking forward to the return of my easy-going happy-go-lucky, youngest child. I miss her.

Funny thing is tho, my oldest who will be four on May 5th, has become such a SWEET and charming little girl, like overnight! They've switched roles on me and I'm confused about it.... They must be too!

[kat]

I am due with and girl and I am largely looking forward to how different it will be raising her than it is with my son. My mom constantly reminds me, "just wait until you get to chapter 13 through 21!" :) Reminds me of your post. Good luck with those darn twos.

[Jennifer]

I hear you sister- my twins are 1 1/2 and they've gotten there early by giving each other ideas. bleh.

[amy]

As I stood, mouth agape at my son's ever evolving personalities I learned a very helpful phrase with which to sooth myself.."IT'S ALL A PHASE. IT'S ALL A PHASE." Just repeat it over and over until she gets to the next plateau.

Good Luck.

[maria]

If you hear me laughing it's because I figure that's me in 13 mos. After 2 challenging baby boys, I've had my easy girl. I'm just trying to enjoy it while it lasts. In the words of my mom, about everything kid - "This too shall pass."

[emily]

Not to scare you or anything...but three was way worse to me than two.lol.You'll get your sweet girl back...eventually.

[Dan]

Great Post.