Because I do. He turned 2 and turned into a holy terror. Overnight. One bright Monday morning a few weeks back, Zachary decided the best way to get what he wanted would be to scream/cry at his top pitch wail. Awesome. This coincided with a week that Alex had to work in the evening so it was just me dealing with a screaming, crying 2 year old. And let’s not forget that I am not at my top mothering speed either, what with being tired and pregnant myself.

It lasted for 3 days. There was a bunch of screaming, crying, feet stomping and hands flailing (from me) until I got my act together. I talked about the horror that was my life with no fewer than 7 people. In 2 days. Some of these people did not have children – you should feel especially sorry for them. But his behavior just monopolized my life as it monopolized our time together after work. Anything he did not get that he wanted (which is most things) would lead a to huge meltdown.

Here are some of my favorite and non-favorite quotes from outsiders:

“So this has been going for 3 days…I don’t think this is really defined as a behavioral issue necessary of excessive talking/reading. I think he is going to snap out of it.”

“Have you tried going into the closet again?”

“You can do this. He only weighs 28 lbs. You are his mother and are better than this.” (wait – that was my pep talk to myself)

“Ohhh just wait, it only gets worse!”

Ummm the last one is especially NOT HELPFUL. Please no one else look at me, tilt you head and say in a highly patronizing tone, “Just wait! The terrible twos are only starting!”. Unacceptable. Unless you have something HELPFUL to say like “it is just a short phase, he will be out of it soon” or “have a drink on me!” – I don’t want to hear it.

Anyway, the tantrums have NOT ended. What started out as a pleasant night last night (again with Alex in CA for work and me hormonal and preggers) ended up with basically the below happening: All. Night. Long.