Every day is a battle with my almost 2-year-old. We knew from the moment we took him home he was going not going be an easy child. The crying as soon as we put him in the car seat was a sure sign of things to come. Here we are almost two years later and he still cries when we put him in his car seat. Joel probably cries more than he laughs. Maybe not… the crying is just much louder. He does the opposite of everything we ask of him even if it means something fun. Like in the picture above… I fought and fought with him about not sitting in the water because it was freezing! I gave up and just let him get in! Let’s just say after about 10 minutes he was cold and throwing a fit. He hates to hold your hand, hates to sit in a grocery cart and just has to have control of whatever situation. He hates going to the church nursery but loves to be at church any other day but Sunday. His tantrums have physically hurt me on more than one occasion and the crying during is quite intense. Wherever we go he picks one direction and just walks! He picks a path and simply takes off without simply looking back. So, I can’t go to the grocery store or the library or some days even the playground if I am not accompanied by my “rescuer” (aka my husband). It is just too difficult and mostly embarrassing. Although I did find that if I provide him with a ton of lollipops I can get some shopping done!
BUT then there is another side to this mostly discontented child! His infectious smile and laugh. Yes, there are moments in my day when he is the funniest and most loving little boy. I have learned to simply stop what I am doing and immediately enjoy the “happy” Joel.
I know it won’t always be this way and we are just in a rough season of life. Praying for an abundance of patience and grace!
