Time out!
Henry in self-mandated “time out.” And yes, we call that the naughty step, because who doesn’t get their best child-rearing tactics from reality TV. The blue stool is his own touch.
A FEW THINGS ABOUT YESTERDAY
A) Henry sobbed for the entire 11-minute drive home from swimming lessons, because I didn’t wait long enough (like til he turned five) for him to mature enough to buckle his own buckle on his car seat. Even though I gave him ample time to practice and explained why he couldn’t ride home working on his buckle. “Henry’s turn! Henry’s turn!”
B) Henry sobbed dramatically over I can’t remember what, but it lasted a good 10 minutes and was highlighted by a repeating loop of him hurling himself into my arms and then running away. And tearfully reporting, “Henry’s turn! Henry’s turn!”
C) Will had a juice box with his lunch at nursery school as a Special Treat (Will usually takes his favorite Sigg bottle with cars with water for lunch) and then at snack had juice and milk. Having had a few Special Treats in the past few months, I am now seeing a pattern—juice does something v. bizarre to his bladder, and he Can’t. Make. It. To. The. Potty. In. Time!
This was all just a long buildup to saying my almost-four-year-old wet himself FOUR times yesterday afternoon, with three more near misses. We both finally agreed that, “All the pee MUST be gone by now, right Mom?”
D) Henry put himself in “time out” and then sobbed mightily when I suggested it was over and time to go upstairs for bed. (Henry has never had a time out, but likes to throw himself dramatically on the Naughty Step and declare “Time out!” Just you wait, Henry.)
E) When changing Henry for bed, he insisted on sitting on the potty, and then cried when, after five minutes of hopping up and down and no business, I suggested it was time for his diaper and pajamas. He’s getting very good at this two-year-old stuff and, as I remind him, he is only 23 months.
A FEW THINGS ABOUT TODAY
A) I’m leaving for my college reunion.
B) Alone.
C) Mommy’s having a time out.
I will miss you terribly, boys, but you will have a great time with Daddy.
Give him a break, will you? Because he has to live with the knowledge that NO ONE WILL BE WAKING ME UP AT 5:30 IN THE MORNING FOR TWO DAYS IN A ROW.
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Anna Sawin is a Connecticut-based portrait, wedding, and editorial photographer. She lives in the shoreline town of Stonington with her family and has discovered the perfect cupcake. Just ask, she is willing to share her secret.
Have fun you crazy kids!
I think the boys will have to call your cell phone to let you know that they are awake and to wish you a good morning. Enjoy those extra Zzzzzz’s.
Have fun at reunion!!
Ah, the things I have to loom forward to! Have a great time at your reunion–enjoy the adults!
ah, age 2. tis a fun year indeed!
definitely sounds like you need a big time out 🙂 have fun!
glad to hear your house is as much fun as mine! oh, the drama! Have you tried Henry with a Sigg bottle yet? i’ve been thinking about getting them for the kids, but i though they might be too young.
I can’t promise that *I* won’t wake you up at 5:30 a.m. two mornings in a row, though.
I just got my first (or should that be My First?) Sigg bottle and my boys are terribly jealous of it.
Anna – another hilarious post! Thanks for taking the time to write it and have a great time! – R
…and when you come back, can you tell me what the kaleidescope next to my name means?
good luck this weekend, B!
Have fun! Hope there aren’t too many tears (or, uh, other bodily fluids) for dad while you are gone!!! 😀
I am a full believer in self imposed time outs… mine just generally occur with a bottle of wine. Have a wonderful weekend.
Aren’t toddlers fun?! I can relate to more than a few of those bullet points. Have an awesome time on your getaway!
that boy has such expressive big toes!
he sounds like a lot of fun. i’m so glad you’re getting all of this down!
Sounds like you need a Mommy time out!!! Enjoy yourself!!!
Don’t you just love Super Nanny!!! Have a great time at your reunion. You deserve it!
Henry in his self-imposed time-outs? Completely adorable.
Also, I read this post the other night before I went to bed and I totally had a dream that I was babysitting the infamous Henry and Will! Just let me know if you need any babysitting assistance in the future – apparently, it’s in the cards. 🙂