The Boy at Two
Dear Crosby,
At 2-years-old, you are the very definition of ying and yang. Your “ying” is totally awesome, smiley and adorable, but your “yang” is a total punk who hourly drives me crazy.
YING!
But then your shirt proves to be a prophecy…
YANG!
I have been wronged! I shall throw this toy at you in protest!
Perhaps you did not see the toy I hurled at your face. In case you hadn’t noticed, I am MAD, MAD, MAD!
Hey, Lady! Hello??? Upset toddler in front of your face!
React to my anger!!! React to my anger!!!
ARRRGGGGHHHEEEEEEEEAAAAAOOOOO!!!
Behold my wrath, resplendent with irrationality!!!
Then we gave you a shot of brandy and you totally calmed down.
I’m kidding!!!
Crosby, you have mastered the defiant glare over your shoulder as you march away from me when I tell you no, are well-practiced at dramatically throwing yourself to the floor with a scream and regularly demonstrate your aim by throwing toys at or hitting whoever or whatever upset you. In other words, your tantrums are epic, often and infuriating, though I try so hard to keep a poker face and not mirror you with my own little fit (believe me, I want to scream in anger right back at you).
Your dad and I often discuss how completely amazing you’ll be once you outgrow this phase or we discipline it out of you (time outs, taking away toys, removing privileges). Because you are an incredible little man with an unbelievable belly laugh and near-constant mischievous (in a good way) glint in your eye. You are sweet, often cozying up in our laps or arms for a snuggle and you so often show all of us your love.
Just like crawling and walking did for you, language came hesitantly, but now is exploding from your brain to your mouth. However, you like to give objects their own names (bumpy choo choo = railroad tracks, up-down = railroad crossing, eyes = sunglasses, ah-da-da = I do it, whoa = truck) and we’re having a hard time convincing you that you’re incorrect.
You adore your sister. Addy is your favorite playmate and gets you laughing like no one else. She is your teacher without even knowing it, as you instantly copy her words and movements. Any item that is hers becomes the item you must have. Much like I did to my older sister, you push her buttons, simply because you want her to react, to pay attention, to engage with you. And holy crap does she react. Whining and tattling is the soundtrack to our days lately. Because you like to mess with your sister’s stuff, she’s becoming a hoarder, hiding her belonging in nooks and crannies and under and behind furniture so you can’t get to them. But of course, she fully expects you to share all of your things with her.
Cars, trucks, trains, buses and throwing and kicking are your loves. You could spend hours kicking a ball in the yard (or the house) or dragging your trains around.
The last several months have been difficult, as we help you learn wrong from right and you test our limits every day. You are an incredibly persistent child who wants what he wants, passionate, stubborn, funny, smart, playful and occasionally gracious. When you learn to use these traits correctly and for good, you will be unstoppable. Can’t wait to watch you keep learning, growing and exploring and hopefully finding a new, more constructive way to express your anger. Like just saying, “Hey, Mom. I’m angry.”
Liz and Joey, Food for thought! Brian wore that shirt and about that same age. Think about it as you continue on. Julie