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March 16, 2006
Frustration, privacy and killjoy
Katie got her pants of today in under 5 minutes while she was standing right next to me. I didn't even see it happen.
It was quite funny.
It's also sad. My 10 month old takes her pants off with fewer tears and more skill than my 3 year old.
Jamie adamantly refuses to solve her own problems. She might try something half-assed once, and then she dissolves into tears. When I tell her to try again, she makes the motions, but puts no effort behind it. Most of the time, she won't even look at what she's doing. By this time, she's usually so tearful and distraught I don't even think she can hear me.
I've told her that I'll help her, if she asks politely and without crying. I've sent her to her room to calm down. I've asked her to calm down and pay attention to what she's doing. I've threatened that we'll have to stay home from wherever we're headed that day. I've taken away watching Blue before her nap.
Is this a stage, or a facet of her personality? I'm sure I need to try yet another approach with her, but for the life of me, I can't figure out what. It doesn't help any that patience and creativity aren't my strong suits, either.
Jamie started using the word "privacy" a while back. While she and Katie were standing in the doorway watching me go to the bathroom, she would tell me she needed some privacy. Of course, she screamed like a banshee when I closed the door and gave her some.
In the last week or two, she's started closing the door when she goes to the bathroom, because she can, "Do it by myself!" If only doing it by herself included wiping! Now she goes in, closes the door, pees in the dark and then calls for me. When I arrive, she asks me who I am, and then tells me I'm her butt wiper. I think I'll add that to my résumé.
It's not all about privacy, though. She also goes into her room and closes the door a lot. Most of the time, she's reenacting her current favorite episode of Blue's Clues. She expects me to knock, and then she greets me with a, "Pleased to meet you!" and a handshake. It's very cute and polite.
I'm having a hard time relaxing and enjoying the kids, still. The things that amuse Jamie (and often my dad and Rex) rarely even make me smile. I'm starting to think I'm dead inside. Granted, I've never been one to giggle at potty humor, but I'm having a hard time finding joy in Jamie's joy. Oddly, I don't have quite the same problem with Katie. I'm hoping that a lot of this is a reaction to the less savory parts of Jamie's personality, and as she gets herself under control and throws fewer tantrums, I'll hold less of a grudge against her good moments. It's very hard for me to change track from the recipient of all her anger to the audience for her humor.
Or maybe I really am dead inside.
Posted by me at March 16, 2006 11:54 AM
Comments
Maybe you have a case of post-post partum depression. I got something like that after my son was born, he had just turned 3, and I was a mess.
Call the doctor, maybe he can help you so that you can feel good again. Just a thought :)
Posted by: Rhonda at March 16, 2006 12:16 PM
In relating to your post...
Frustration - my lack of skills with HTML and in having links I've set up on my blog disappear and previous posts not part of the template that I chose.
Privacy - we're experiencing the closing door routine too. Doors are toys?
Killjoy - I've been feeling, or rather not feeling, a lot like you. It could be the lack of sleep but it's more likely all the issues racing about in my mind.
I hope you find a little happiness today.
Posted by: something blue at March 17, 2006 8:54 AM
I've wondered if I have some PPD, but every time I think I should ask someone about it, I start feeling better or wondering if I'm being silly. I think a big part of it is weather and winter related, but I won't be able to test that theory until we get back to Texas.
The good news is, I don't have the serious symptoms of wanting to hurt myself or my kids.
Come on warm weather and sunshine!
Posted by: Becky at March 18, 2006 9:27 PM