My son has been abducted by aliens...

because now that he's almost 2, the whining and the tantrums have begun. I knew it was just a matter of time before my sweet, loving little boy was swept in to the deep, dark depths of the terrible twos. While I know this is perfectly normal and developmentally appropriate, it doesn't make life any easier when I'm trying to put a trunk full of groceries away and he's throwing an all out fit because he wants to "Pay Ahtside!!!"

I really had to come to grips with myself yesterday before I lost my mind. I realized that trying to reason and explain to a 22 month old that I would take him out when the food was put away just doesn't register. He doesn't hear that. All he sees is a closed kitchen door and the fact that he wants OUTSIDE NOW! I reached into the back of my brain & pulled out some of my "Happiest Toddler on the Block" skills and tried them. They worked...for a little bit. I tried time out, which usually always works for Ryan. Two time outs later and he was still at my feet throwing a fit! UGH!! I just wanted to get the groceries put up. So, after about 10 minutes (or so it seemed) of this, I scooped him up and put him in his crib. I needed him to be in a safe place so he could work out his fit while I finished the task at hand. After about 5 good minutes of rage (he got his Mama's Irish temper), he calmed down and I went to get him. We had some great snuggle time (which if you know Ryan, he is NOT a snuggler). Then, I took him outside to play.

So, all in all, we both survived the first major temper tantrum. I am sure there will be plenty more to come. After all, any child of mine would never live life halfway ;-)