Musings from A Frazzled Mommy

Musings on Z-Man

Confession time...The stage that my little guy is now in (the one in X-Factor's case that lasted from 14 months to 4 years) is not my favorite. Please don't miss understand...there are lots of wonderful moments, which I am careful not to take for granted. But, there are also some humdingers.

He's just now starting to realize that he is no longer the center of the universe and that his wants and needs are no longer synonymous. Bitter truths, I know. Still a little tough for this 34-yr-old Mama, so I sympathize with the tyke. I do. Yet, I still must teach and train. Not easy when the person I am trying to teach and train has a limited understanding of time and safety issues. He does not understand what I mean when I say I'll give him some O's as soon as I get them from the pantry. All he understands is that he wants food the very instant that he demands it, and he wholeheartedly believes that me walking away from him (even if it is to the fridge or pantry to meet his desire), is a sign that I have no intention to help him. And his response? A blood curdling scream.

Here are some humorous stories from the toddler trenches.

• Sunday afternoon, we went to drop off some donations at the local Good Will store and decided to do some browsing. I found a brand new skirt (original tags still attached) for $3.75. It was darling and the retail price was something like $47.00. Totally not worth $47, but $3.75, you bet! I went to the dressing room with both kids and decided to allow Z-man out of his stroller. I know, not my smartest move, but he was screaming, and I just needed a few seconds to try on a skirt. So, there I was, barely clothed in a Good Will dressing room, (which is better than "buck neked in Tallahassee --an inside joke for loopsters) and stepping into a skirt when the X-Factor screamed..."He's getting away!" Yep, Z-man managed to squeeze his sturdy little frame underneath the space below the door and run throughout the store. I, panic and send my four-year-old after him while I struggle to get dressed. I hear said four-year-old yelling "He's too fast." Praise God neither of my children were kidnapped.

• Later that same day we were playing outside with giant bouncing balls. We live in an apartment complex and there is an open yard behind our unit. There was a mild breeze-a-blowin' and lots of shade. However, Z-man had no interest in the balls. He just wanted to get to the nearest parking lot and was ticked when I deterred his plans.

• My little guy is also a lot like his daddy. Today, when I gave him a stern look, he laughed. Dr. N. also smiles when I'm angry. What's with that???
  

• Learning the art of defiance...it's also a part of this stage. Z-man has been throwing his food down for C-Mae to eat. A few lunches ago, he was tossing some green beans below and I told him no. The cute little stinker shot me a look that clearly stated "Oh Yeah, watch me," and threw down another green bean. The X-Factor, who is very concerned about justice (except of course when it applies to her) cried out, "Consequence! He needs a consequence!!")
  

X-Factor calling for justice leads me to some musings about my girl.

• The CIA should seriously consider getting some interrogation tips from four-year-olds, because my friends, they will break you. Trust me...their stamina...stuff of legends. LEGENDS! If I am asked the same question 60 times in a 20 second time period, I'll crack. I'm telling you...fetal position on the ground...cannot handle anymore...

• Yesterday afternoon, the X-Factor and I were eating lunch together and enjoying conversation while Z-man napped. She started asking me questions like "Will you get another baby in your belly so I can have a sister?" And then, right after I took a bite of my bean and cheese burrito, she lays down the big one..."So, after a mommy and daddy get married, how does it all happen? How do they grow a baby?" I was not prepared. She's four...I thought I had a few more years to answer this one. Fortunately, she does not do well with silence and by the time I finished chewing my mouthful, she asked two more questions..."So how long does it take for a baby to grow? 40 hundred years?" "What else can I eat, I'm still hungry?" I knew the correct answer to spout..."Goldfish."

• Z-Man was having a melt down in his crib yesterday and X-factor, decided that she needed to talk to him..."Z-man. I know it's tough buddy, but you have to stop being such a stinker. Mommy was just helping you so you wouldn't hurt yourself. You cannot run into the the parking lot...cars can squish you and then you'd get lots of bleeds all over the place!"

• I also overheard this sweet teachable moment..."Z-man, let me teach you how to clean up. It is very important to learn how to put your toys away because it isn't fair that I have to always clean up your messes. Now watch me...I have a toy in my hand and I am putting it in this box. Now you try it...c'mon buddy, you can do it."

Oh...yes the days are long, but the rewards...many.