embrace the camera

You know what?  Being a mom is tough.

Ok I'm sure lots and lots and lots of you know that.  But ohemgee this whole toddler roller coaster we're riding?  It is insane.

Ryann hasn't really wanted to eat all that much the last few days.  Except for stupid 'crunchies', but that is beside the point.  No big deal.  She was sick on Sunday (like puked all over me and my parents rug sick), I got sick Sunday night and felt miserable most of the day Monday.  So maybe she isn't feeling it.  Or maybe her molars are starting to come in.  Or maybe a million other things.

I thought I'd be clever and not offer a snack yesterday morning, unless of course she asked, to see if I could trick her into eating real food for lunch.  I'm pretty sure I turned her into a beast.  And thank the Lord for granting me some patience yesterday, because this my friends, is what she did to my knee with a Ham the Pig figurine:

See, if I tell her we are not going to do something she wants to do (in a calm, kind manner with explanation of course), she has taken to slamming her hand down on whatever is nearest and yelling no.  Hitting whatever object is closest to her and just saying no over and over again.  She gets so worked up about it.  And unfortunately yesterday my knee was the closest object, and she happened to be holding a hard and pointy-ish toy.  Plus I'm pretty sure she was ticked off at me.

I tried to give her the benefit of the doubt.  She was most likely hungry and tired.  I made her apologize.  She did.  She gave me a hug and said sorry.  She was still pissed.  But she apologized.  I fed her lunch.  And then?  Then she was all smiles and giggles and happiness.  She said "Mommy, may I have a nose kiss please?" as I was laying her down for nap.  No joke.

Daily I am baffled by how to deal with the ups and downs of Ryann's personality.  She is such an amazing little girl.  So smart.  So adorable.  So funny.  But girlfriend can push my buttons like nobody's business.  Some days I am great at rationalizing the fact that she is a toddler and doesn't know how to deal with her emotions.  Or that she is just testing me.  Or surprise, the kid is freaking hungry.

There is no doubt in my mind that I was meant to be a mom.  Ryann's mom.  But whew.  Some days are just plain HARD.

Oh and two year molars?  If it is you that is bringing out the worst in my child every other hour, could you just flipping show up already?  I'd appreciate it.

Completely unrelated to the rest of my text, don't you just love my attempt at timer photos?  I used the ball as a focus point, pushed the button, jumped off the porch, grabbed Ryann and tried to sit on top of the thing.  My photo isn't in focus and I've got a mini volleyball shoved between my legs.  Oh well, better luck next time, right?  :o)