Well, in the grand scene of things, Christmas was nice, if not motherhood. It was quiet, low key, good. On the other hand Domenic was, for lack of a better description, the WORST behaved I have ever seen him in my life, bar none. I mean he awoke on Christmas morning as an angry, difficult and ornery little elf and stayed that way till he finally was sent to bed half way through dinner, no dessert, no cuddles and no stories. He actually for the first time ever (honestly) cried himself to sleep. He would not open presents, would not eat, would not listen, talked back (He told grandpa to shut up, OUCH!), spit out his turkey on the floor, threw a fit, and resembled that of which specials are made on crime biographies. WOW, it was BAD! I think between the times out and the times being sent to his room, I lost more turkey weight on the staircase then could have been physically planned. By nights end my voice was horse, my nerves were shot and 2 bottles of wine very mysteriously were missing in the morning...
However, this morning at 6am, he crawled into our bed. He wrapped his arms around me and said "I was a really bad boy last night, I am so sorry mom. I promise I will be a good boy". Then all day he was perfect and appeared quite humble about the whole thing. He asked to have Christmas again and I had to explain that he had to now wait a full year before he can enjoy Christmas. I let him know that Grandpa left early, and next year he needs to be nice if he wants Santa to come back. I honestly saw reality hit him (Or so I hope), my little bunny. He was sick for the last couple days, I imagine his lack of sleep was partially to blame. You start to doubt your parenting abilities at times like this and then your child will be so sweet you forget all that heart ache. I have to say that yesterday I was so done, so frustrated I did not know if I could handle motherhood anymore. Today I remember why we parents are given strength in times of trial. I am starting to be swayed by the notion that our children are a test as well as a gift. My father put it best last night "I said you would one day get back all you dished to us, I see Domie is giving you that and some." He said it with love as I held back tears and swears at the kitchen table, son screaming blue murder from his room upstairs. Today I once again I had the company of my son Domie. He was my Angel Boy that I thank my luck stars for every night. I kind of took a deep breath and figured that the worst had past for now, thank god! Discipline, yes we may need more. Patience, WOW, I amaze myself. I think I passed this motherhood test, I earned a solid B at least:)
So Merry Christmas, to all mothers of toddlers. You all earned your stockings this year.
