The Terrible 3's?

Charlie is sweet. Genuine. Funny. He has a contagious laugh. He's thoughtful and likable. 

Everyone talks about terrible two's. 

Charlie had his moments. 

But he was his lovable self most of the time. 

A week or two before his third birthday a monster has emerged! 

A day doesn't go by where he doesn't throw at least one major tantrum. 

And now the tantrums are happening in public! 

I'm embarrassed. I look like a deer in the headlights every time they erupt.

I'm not sure what to do with this screaming, hitting, kicking child.

At home its easy to lock him in a room until he sweetly says, "All better mom!" 

And it is very sweet, but with the tantrums, i feel like the life has been sucked out of me. 

And i'm not ready to pretend like it never happened.

In public, its much harder to know what to do so i just try to hide. 

I have to pray so hard to have the strength to love him despite these bursts of outrage.

I do receive help. 

And when i do my heart just aches to see him in so much distress with nothing to do to solve it. 

He just has to go through it and then he's back to normal.

I hope this stage passes quickly.

We had a great birthday. 

I was disappointed that he had tantrums even on his birthday when everything was planned to make him a happy boy. We still had a great day! Played with cousins at our house and then met up with other cousins for a train ride on the Heber Creeper. 

I love Charlie!

He can say the sweetest things.

Like tonight, he actually ate the dinner i prepared. Big SHOCKER!

He kept giving me hugs and saying thank you and saying "I like it Mom!"

He would like most things i fixed but he never bothers trying it.

Tonight was a big deal. 

He also said to me, "Does that make you happy mom?" 

Yes, it does Charlie. 

Thank you my Son, Happy Birthday!