Why I Am So In Love...

Sarah has been giving us some pretty good grief the last few weeks. Since a while back she's been full of attitude and fits and tantrums. Before noon yesterday, we had 3 tantrums - 2 of which involved throwing herself on the floor. And the only reason the third didn't result in floor-flailing was because she was buckled in her car seat. I've been trying to be as patient as possible and have tried giving her some space to get her angries out. I try not to have a yelling contest with her. I calmly tell her that when she's ready she can talk in a regular voice and we can be happy again. All of these things seem to work okay but not without leaving an unavoidable air of grumpiness over all of us.

Joel and I sat down the other night talking about what could be causing this and what we can do as a team to combat it. We devised this reasoning behind her attitude:

1. She's now two years old - notoriously a tumultuous age for independence and freedom vs. safety and control.
2. We remodeled her familiar bathroom - she no longer felt comfortable going potty in there and doesn't like to go inside.
3. Joel has been working really hard - his after work time used to consist of play time before bed with Sarah but has since simmered since taking on so many projects.
4. I am so tired things are being blown out of proportion - My pregnant body is less patient than before so everything is a battle.

We decided that we'd work on being more attentive to her changes in mood and help her to cope with the all the changes going on (bathroom and pregnancy alike).

Joel got home about 6pm last night after a long day at work and then some time spent working on Church stuff in Poulsbo. He was tired and hungry - I could see it in his eyes. But he walked right in with a smile on his face and tossed Sarah into the air. She was thrilled. He then sat down and read her a book while she sat quiet and absorbed. After the book they went and play with her cooking toys for 20 minutes. I peeked in and asked if he wanted to put her down and then eat or if he was hungry and wanted to eat now while I put her down. His reply:

"I am hungry but we're going to play for a bit, Sarah is more important."

I just about cried. This is why I love my husband. He is on my team and is rooting for the success of our family. He is receptive to my needs and to our family's needs and will do anything for us. Joel is an amazing example and inspires me to be the best wife and mom I can be.

And today - it may just be a coincidence - but there have been no melt-downs, there has been potty in the toilet, there has been smiles and laughter and patience. I'm feeling encouraged that adding another to the mix won't be as overwhelming as it has seemed the last few weeks.