Amelia's list

Amelia had an all out meltdown tonight before bedtime. I could have predicted it - she was over tired, and bedtime is full of things she does NOT want to do. We had a few short minutes left outside before it was time to come in when I discovered a poopy diaper. We've been battling....something diaper related for the last month if not longer. So, it was time to go in. Amelia was not a fan of this idea nor was she willing to take her own shoes off. The poopy diaper clock was ticking away, so I helped her both inside and with her shoes.

To say she was unhappy about this would be a major understatement. There was kicking, screaming, tears and a dramatic collapse to the ground. I left her momentarily in the dark of the laundry room to allow her to cool down. There wasn't any way I would be removing a poopy diaper from that writhing, screaming, spitting mad girl without a fight. When I came back a minute later, she was still crying. But, she had a triumphant look on her face because she had scaled the washer and located her shoes. Which she had painstakingly put back on her feet. Through the tears, she looked back up at me, gave me a sniffly smirk, and said "MYSELF!" I had to work hard not to laugh out loud at her determination and....well, determination to have her way.

The shoes came off again and in the process she hit her head on the washer. The diaper clock was pressing, but there still wasn't any way to remove the diaper without....a BIG mess I had no desire to clean up. She somewhat willingly went into her room where she quickly calmed down when she discovered my sunglasses.

She finally allowed me to hold her, hiccups and all as long as I was careful not to dislodge her sunglasses. I held her tight and she wrapped her still chubby little arms around my neck. After a brief moment of quiet, she leaned back to look into my eyes.

Amelia: Mama, I no like the dark.

Mama: Ok. Should we turn on the light in your room?

Amelia: Yes.

Amelia: William no like the dark. Daddy leave the door open for light. My door is shut (very well timed series of sniffles).

Mama: Do you want your door open at night.

Amelia: (sigh) Yes, door open.

Then it was quiet and I thought all the grievances were aired. But, no. We went on to discuss as the above conversation the problems she is having. She doesn't ever get to shut the car door and William does. William goes to preschool. William gets to buckle his car seat. William doesn't have to ride in the cart. Clearly William is having all the fun from her perspective.

I like to think I have a pretty strong background in child development. Yet, somehow I feel totally unprepared for dealing with this fiery little girl.