Milo is Not the Best Age

photo of the angel batboy, courtesy of our amigo, Erik

A few months ago I blogged about how awesome Milo's age was. Things have changed. Milo's verbal abilities are not aligned with his cognitive abilities. On top of that, he's been sick with a lingering cold for the first time. He wants things and doesn't want things and can't express them in ways other than hitting, pulling, throwing, kicking, crying, screaming, screaming louder, and flipping out. And consequences have only just started to sort of help or work.

He wants everything Dahlia has. Whatever Dahlia has is the best thing on the planet and it should be his. Now. So when he can't have it? Pull her hair, hard, and yell, "Ow!" Tell him no? Pulls harder, yells, "Ow!" again. This time with a smile.
Or
Frustrated? Throw himself on the floor. Doesn't work? Cry louder, stand up throw himself on the floor again. Doesn't work? Throw self on floor with back arched, bonk head hard on the floor, get worried reaction from me, but I don't cave. Sadness and more frustration continues. The next time he's frutrated? Milo immediately resorts to the head-throw-back-hitting-floor technique. NOT FUN.
On food:
Doesn't like something he is given to eat or is done? Throws it and says, "Ball!" Every time. No matter how messy. No matter how many times we tell him no. No matter that his left arm is getting seriously ready for the major leagues. The other morning I was woken up by Matt, yelling VERY frustratedly, "NO MILO, that is NOT a BALL. It's a STRAWBERRY." I had to laugh. These are the things that get under our skin these days. And what kid doesn't like strawberries?
On the throwing:
Everything is a ball when he's feeling defiant. Box of tissues-"Ball!" (throws box). Book he's done reading-"Ball!" (throws book). Toothbrushing finished--"Ball!" (throws toothbrush). Dahlia's baby DeeDee-"Ball!" (throws DeeDee). Shoe he's bored with wearing in stroller-"Ball!" (throws shoe). You get the idea.

Oh Milo, we all do just love you to pieces. Good thing when you're not frustrated you are still the bees knees.