My Chameleon

Parenting Rhett has been a bit of a challenge lately. I'm not sure if it's a three year old thing or just a Rhett thing but my son has quite the attitude. The whining, crying, stubborness, bossiness and recently hitting. His nasty tone has been heard more often than his sweet tone. If the world does not go exactly as he plans than watch out world!

The only comfort I have is that usually he behaves himself very well while in preschool, Sunday school or when at a friends house. I'm not sure why the shy, obedient act is put on in these environments but I'm grateful for it. I've figured out the trick in getting him to behave is to remove myself from his presence. It seems like whenever I come around the meltdowns start and the timeouts follow. What's ironic is that I'm the one that's demamded to get up with him in the morning at some dreadful hour. I'm also apparently the only one that can satisfy his needs especially and conveniently when I'm trying to feed Emmie.

Fortunately the other day I was reminded that under that headstrong exterior my thoughtful, loving son still exists. While I was getting ready to go out to dinner with some friends Rhett was sitting on my bed watching dragon tales. He looked up at me and said "are you going to wear that mom?" I said, "I'm thinking about it." He replied, "you look beautiful." One second I want to ring his neck and the next second he's leaving me speechless. Even if I only get one of these moments to one hundred of the other ones I'll take it.

Although we are usually living in extremes around here sometimes he hangs out in the messy middle. I'm all for my son exploring, experimenting and being creative but does it have to be so messy. Today I was enjoying some nice quiet moments while Rhett was playing in the kitchen/playroom area. When I finally decided to check on him he proudly greeted me with a beverage he createrd on his own. Oh how I long for the days when Rhett could not open the refridgerator and freezer and reach the contents inside. In case anyone out there is parched and would like to try a new drink here is the recipe:

Rhett's Brew
1 cup of water
5 pink bottlecaps
3 wintergreen mints
handful of shredded chedder cheese
1/2 cup of chocolate ice cream
1/2 cup of coconut ice cream
6 broken up potato chips

Rhett would highly recommend this since he did drink an entire glass of it leaving not a trace of cheese or chip. He was pleading with me to drink some as well but mommy had to pretend.

Maybe I should make my own coctail to help me celebrate and embrace the many sides of this boy I love.