Mystery Toy and Holy Hell Meltdown
As I was getting ready for bed, Henry caught sight of a water toy up in my closet (where I stash most gifts for the future - including an enormous box that is his and Walter's kitchenette to be given to them this Christmas -- and he has never even noticed the gigantic box) -- but this little water toy he saw. Well, Henry had not had a nap today, and it was nearing 9 pm. He asked politely about the toy, asked to see the toy. I said no. ALL HELL BROKE LOOSE.
I held fast. It was late, he was tired, I had said no. I said, it wouldn't be a surprise if I showed it to you.
Stupid thing to say. He started screaming (because by now that was his tone anyway) that he didn't want a surprise.
He screamed, cried, begged -- and this is where I nearly wavered. He looked so beside himself, tears rolling down his cheeks, wracked with sobs as he told me that he was going to go see the toy, then he said, "Okay?" Oh, it was pitiful and painful.
Well, "No," I replied, my heart wrenching to see his little face so upset and still asking if it's ok for him to go see the toy. My heart was saying, "No?" Who cares if he sees it, he's already seen some of it, and it's just a stupid water toy -- but I had made my stand, and by god, it was late and he was tired. Finally, I thought, WHO CARES?, but still I picked him up, sat down in our glider with him on my lap, opened a very calming book, and began to read. He shushed immediately, snuggled -- or crumpled (cringe)-- on my lap.
As soon as I finished he said, "What is it? What's the toy?", and then he fell fast asleep.
I held fast. It was late, he was tired, I had said no. I said, it wouldn't be a surprise if I showed it to you.
Stupid thing to say. He started screaming (because by now that was his tone anyway) that he didn't want a surprise.
He screamed, cried, begged -- and this is where I nearly wavered. He looked so beside himself, tears rolling down his cheeks, wracked with sobs as he told me that he was going to go see the toy, then he said, "Okay?" Oh, it was pitiful and painful.
Well, "No," I replied, my heart wrenching to see his little face so upset and still asking if it's ok for him to go see the toy. My heart was saying, "No?" Who cares if he sees it, he's already seen some of it, and it's just a stupid water toy -- but I had made my stand, and by god, it was late and he was tired. Finally, I thought, WHO CARES?, but still I picked him up, sat down in our glider with him on my lap, opened a very calming book, and began to read. He shushed immediately, snuggled -- or crumpled (cringe)-- on my lap.
As soon as I finished he said, "What is it? What's the toy?", and then he fell fast asleep.
posted by Kevin and Stace @ 9:07 PM
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