Independence

A couple of months ago, Walter started being more and more involved in making decisions and participating his daily routines. Putting on his pants: "I do it!" Picking out a bedtime story: "I do it!" Climbing into his booster seat for dinner: "No Mama. I do it!" The more he realizes he can do, the more he wants to do. And he wants to do it when he feels like doing it. He gets dressed only when he's good and ready. And leaving the house is a 20 minute ordeal. We reason with him for 15 minutes, then end up wrestling him into his car seat, while he screams and cries. His behavior is the same whether we're going to the bank or going to get ice cream. That's right – not even the promise of ice cream will get him into the car without a fight. But, somehow, he manages to mix his worst behavior with his best. Between these fits and tantrums, Walter is sweeter than ever. He snuggles, he hugs, he kisses, he laughs. He runs to the door to greet me when I come home from work. So, I think we'll keep him. The kicking and screaming won't last forever and when he's done, we get this silly, adorable little boy to enjoy.