the case of Dr. jekyll & senor hyde

is it the pediasure diego drinks? or perhaps there is something in the bottled water? either way, there are days reminiscent of the classic book, dr. jekyll and mr. hyde. one moment, diego is as sweet as pie and then a bit later, turns into an angry, impatient, crying toddler...

it's the story most moms can relate to but few actually blog or tell about it... understandable, right?! what mom wants to tell the dark side of her son on the internet and tarnish his halo that everyone sees on him... my sweet and friendly diego who befriends strangers whereever he goes, will show his true colors when mother is around... and she is telling...

it was a sunny afternoon... the birds were chirping and there was a nice breeze blowing through the leaves... a happy family leaves the house to take the hardworking husband to his job.... it was a peaceful moment until---- (dun dun dun....) the mom is left with the two kids alone... suddenly, the birds are squawking too loud, the sun is beating down too hard, and the wind is throwing leaves and pollen into your eye... diego begins crying because he wants to go to work with his dad (daycare)... isabella begins to grunt at such loudness... size 9.5 shoes are being thrown off and a toddler's cries turn into angry shrills... a mother's soft tone of voice becomes an angry "you better cut it out diego!"

then there is silence... although the sun is still beating down quite a bit, it's manageable... the birds are flying away and the wind is trying to cool down the sweat you and the toddler acquired from the moment before... the three make it to a park near the lake... diego is happily rejoicing and listening to every direction you tell him... even isabella is asleep and content... the happy trio walk to the park and then, it  happens... the happy toddler takes off running... going on slides too high and climbing up stairs too tall... mother is too short and trying hard to nicely tell him to go to the toddler side of the park... after all, several other mothers are watching her... diego becomes angry and whiny... he makes his body limp as the mom can feel her face reddening and the anger rising... with isabella strapped in the pouch, she is too slow to keep up with diego... diego begins to run away, knowing he has the advantage....

and then she takes a spill, right in front of everyone in the park... holding onto isabella, the mother trips and falls into the sand landing on her knees, thankfully... isabella goes back to sleep but the mom is now, angry, embarassed and trying hard not to lose her cool in public... diego just looks and mother ends up grabbing diego by the hand and going home... his howls can be heard throughout the south side of milwaukee... the audience in the park just stare... even the birds remain silent... heck, i bet the wind stopped to check out the scene....

the toddler is quiet in the car ride home... the baby sleeps away even though her pacifier was lost during that 15minute stay at the park... and who ends up crying?? dear dear mother crying on the phone to her mother! how come diego won't listen? why is he good at the park when his father takes him? how come he listens at daycare? why do they make parks for little kids?

with a veteran mom's advice and consolation, this mother goes home a bit more relaxed... she makes diego go to his room, without television, and tells him to lie down... he takes a nap while isabella eats... when diego awakes, he is as good as gold... he eats without complaining... he sits down without being told twice...  mother takes him outside in the yard, and he is actually having a darn good time! the afternoon is ended with a content toddler and a bit of bubbles too...

i know i'm a good mom and that diego is a good kid... i also know this is part of motherhood... but perhaps, dr. jekyll and mr. hyde was really written by Robert Louis Stevenson's wife... maybe she told him of her days with the kids, and he got the story for his famous book...

yeah, now you've had those days, eh????!!!!

notes: i received a couple wonderful packages this week... if  you go to my flickr, you will see more... thank you ester and jhoanna for the loveliness and happiness you sent this way :D

Comments

[Nina]

Thanks for the true story and that names weren't changed to protect no one lol.Ellia this would make a story for real moms with real problems and are willing to share with others without being judged.

[Ester]

Hi Ellia!
I'm glad that you liked everything!! =)
Wish you the best in life!!
Xoxo to you,
Ester

[raesha]

OH my - I have had SO many of those days:):) My sister (mom to 7 kids - she is my hero) always tells me kids misbehave the most when they are the most comfortable - meaning they KNOW you will love them even if they misbehave. They don't have that same security at say, daycare, so they don't misbehave as much. Kinda sweet, but kinda sucky too cause moms get the brunt of it.

[Melissa R. Garrett]

Perhpas he was just tired afterall? When Jacob is acting out, I ask his straight away if he needs a snack and if he needs to rest. One or the other is always the culprit. But boy! I sure do know what you are talking about :-)

[Robyn]

I'm with Melissa. Most of the time when MR. M acts up, it's because he's tired, even if he's only been up for a couple of hours. I also know that when he is acting that way, I'm not going anywhere with him until after he either eats, takes a nap or both.
But I can most definitely relate, especially since listening to Momma now means doing what you're told on the fifth time, not the first. Exasperating.

[jen]

i like that photo of isabella with her bonnet. look slike you guys had fun!

[Rhonda]

You have beautiful children!

[Gracie]

Aww I understand how you feel. I don't have kids but I have nephews! Your children are adorable =)
Oh and thanks for the email and comments. Thanks so much for them. I hope your well.

[Lindsey]

Its the real world so lets not hide it - behind all beautiful pictures that we post is an untold story that happened before those cute smiles appeared.

Isabella is beautiful!

[Jhoanna]

Hi Ellia! Every child is different but I can relate to your day - my 3 year old can be jekyll & hyde too! I agree with the other comments - in my experience it is due to being overtired, and also it might be part of the whole adjustment to a new family member :-) I know that my 3 year-old is still adjusting to having her 1 year-old sister around and at times can be very tempermental and attention-seeking.

I'm happy to read that after some rest, everything has gone back to normal. I love the photos you posted up on Flickr and am glad that both Diego and Bella enjoyed the little things I sent over.

Big hugs from Australia :-)

[barb]

People always say terrible two's HA there toddlers must not have made it to three!!! I swear the 3's are worst!!! And don't ever be embarressed (easier said than done) every mom has been there (whether they admit it or not)...and shame on them for not offering you assistance after you fell with a newborn!!!! Here's to brighter and more well behaved days!!!

[Julie K in Taiwan]

I can totally relate. Unfortunately, I've found that the switch between sweetness and serious troublemaker continues on for many years.... hugs!