new phase

A few months ago, around the time of Sofia's 5th birthday, Emerson was in a hitting phase. He would out of the blue come over and swat me! I tried very hard to stay calm, to not give it attention, to say "that's not OK" and divert his attention, but he would get so angry that I ended up having to put him in time-out. That phase lasted about 2 weeks, and seemed like the most miserable 2 weeks ever! I hated putting him in time-out, and wished I had another (better?) way to deal with it.

His new phase is licking me. Um, I guess it's more peaceful than hitting, but I do not like it (Sam I AM!) The other day, he licked my armpit, and said "I taste mommy's armpit!" Oh geez... talk about inappropriate!

When he's not licking or hitting me, he's burrowing his fingers into my armpit. Also no fun.

My mom says he must be a tactile kid! I guess so, since the reason why I don't sleep well with him next to me is because his little fingers are always crawling over me!

In general though, he is very cuddly, sweet, and wonderful. Very helpful. Protective. When I use the toaster oven, he stands in front of it, hands up, and says "So hot, mommy! Be careful!" Then he hands me the tongs, and says "Use this." In Telluride, he slept in a bunk bed, and I said "Uh-oh, I might hit my head when I get up!" Emerson, without saying anything, put his hand over my head to protect me.

He has had quite a few tantrums lately, and when he does, he kicks and hits. My temper rises. The best way to deal with these currently (because it's always changing!) is to tell him it's not OK to kick and hit mommy, and put him in his room. After I've calmed down, I slowly open the door, and enter the room crouched on his level. Often he is still screaming and thrashing. I wait for him to show signs of calming, then I say "Oh, Emerson, Llama Llama Mad at Mama!" (That's the name of one of his latest favorite books.) Usually that grabs his attention. Then I can get the book and start reading. After a few pages, I can pull him into my lap and finish reading. All better, tantrum over. Whew! I hope this strategy can keep working for a little while, so I can work on the next one!

Emerson's Birthday - he's TWO!

Wow, it's been a while since I've posted. Has everyone given up on me yet? Thanks to Stella, for mentioning to my mom that she hasn't seen any posts lately, I'm motivated to get back in! :)

Emerson turned 2 on July 14th. We were on vacation - Tina, Ben and Nik came to visit from Berlin, and we took a 10-day whirlwind trip around Colorado, stopping in Steamboat Springs, Glenwood Springs, Palisade, Telluride, and Salida. Emerson's birthday started in Telluride, and ended up with pizza, brownies and ice cream in Salida.

Emerson woke up in a happy mood (usually he's a bit grouchy in the mornings)! I said, "Today's your birthday! Happy Birthday!" Emerson responded "I get motorcycle!" Immediately, I remembered the day about a month ago when Emerson was playing with Vincent's motorcycle, and didn't want to let go. I said to him, "Maybe you'll get a motorcycle for your birthday." Obviously, he remembered, and his comment sent me on a mission to find a motorcycle! Luckily, Salida has an amazing toy store, and I found a Playmobil police officer and motorcycle. Emerson was thrilled! We've since lost the helmet, but he still carries that motorcycle around with him.

And now I know to be careful with what I promise! :)