Troublesome Twos

Taylor has always seemed to be an easy going kid. Yes we have the occasional meltdowns, stubbornness, and possessiveness that seem to characterize the age. But really all things considering it's been largely predictable and tolerable for all involved. That is, until this morning. This morning was by far the most challenging morning I have ever had with her. The morning was one giant meltdown. Worst part I couldn't even hope to predict what would start it. Examples: I put her milk in the wrong color sippy cup. The Tv wasn't working fast enough. The dog exists. I had to pee. She had to pee. Her room was to dark...immediately followed by there's to much light in her room. She wants a car of her own. Daddy's at work. Etc. Basically constant cause for end of the world hysteria type behavior.

Then my normally peaceful and loving child took a running kick at the dog. The dog, who will be ready for sainthood someda,y attempted to leave the room. But no, she was followed by a toddler who for no reason I could understand just started kicking this poor animal. Thank god the dog didn't retaliate. I sent the dog outside after I detached a small child's fists from her fur. Okay that was seriously abnormal for her. Next Taylor took whatever stress she was feeling out on little bro. Again, something she's never done before. On a few occasions today she would randomly pop up and clock him in the head with something while he was eating. The endless morning of disaster climaxed with her biting me in the face. I was actually hugging the child when this happened. I thought she was going to kiss my cheek. I sported an imprint of her teeth for about 45 minutes. Who's child is this?? I know she hasn't been sleeping extremely well and has had a stuffy nose. But holy cow.....I was not at all prepared for hurricane Taylor this morning. I beyond shocked and at a total lack for what to do to help her.

I did however attempt to end the day on a good note. I guess everyone in my house is utterly sleep deprived and apparently stressed. I took the kiddos out for a long walk on a beautiful paved bike path near our house this afternoon. The weather was gorgeous. Taylor generally loves these walks so I figured all would go well. Evan was awake in his stroller and looked like he was trying to make sense of it all (it was his first time out for a walk with Taylor and I). Taylor enjoyed the simple pleasures of throwing sticks in a river, running, helping push her brothers stroller, and sitting on a bench stopping everyone to say "HI. I'm two. See mommy, I told that lady I'm two". My day seemed to be ending on an up note. We get back to our car: Taylor climbs into her seat, Evan got strapped in his and we drive home. Only when I go to get Taylor of the car at home did I realize that I forgot to actually buckle her in to the car seat. I will forever be eternally grateful that she made it home safe and totally horrified at how my profound lack of sleep endangered my child.