Holy Toddler, Batman

It will shock all of you to learn that my son is headstrong and would really prefer to have his own way always.

Today's ordeal was about getting him safely onto the back of the bicycle safely when what he really wanted was to ride in the chariot (not set up for my bike). Flailing, screaming, hitting... ohhhgod. Somehow, what I was saying to him, while I was trying to keep the bike upright, him buckled in, avoid getting swatted, got through- "not safe... I'm angry.." I don't know, but like a light switch, he just stopped and patted my arm and said something like "ohtay?" or "luff luff" and started sucking his thumb. When we passed Spy pond, at the spot where he says "honk honk" to the water fowl, his honk-honk was the most desultory, perfunctory representation, it broke my heart.

He's just been on a rampage since we got back from Ohio. He's transitioning to his new class, so I wonder if that will actually help, to be around bigger kids. His current teacher is baffled in it and I really hope he sorts out whatever new thing he's figuring out, because zomg. His vocabulary is really really coming along. It was so slow to start, that he's just stringing short sentences together. Things he says or conveys( A longish but non-exhaustive list of toddler communications )

... and so many more. It's hard to be little and want so many things and not get to do them the second it's desired. Or maybe ever if it means playing with the stove.

In the meantime, I need a nap, and maybe a fresh set of clothes that aren't covered in toddler-applied yogurt and grime. Thank you to caulay for the opportunity to go out and have adult conversation and see The World's End last night. Being able to do that sometimes helps at least a bit with the ongoing toddler battle.