Before my injury, I was due to post on Eli. I had pictures collected, and lots to write about, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. I was struggling with him horribly. I felt like I couldn't write a positive word. I couldn't even bring myself to write about him at all -- I was so exhausted by having to deal with his behavior. He seemed to be constantly acting out, and I was at the end of my rope. He was disrespectful, grumpy, mopey, demanding, unhappy and challenging. He wanted all of my time and couldn't seem to understand that I had to play with Keira, too.
His behavior seemed to magically improve two days before I fell. I didn't blog about it. I was worried I might jinx it. But, when I got hurt I feared the worst. I couldn't imagine how I was going to deal with everything, especially his misbehavior, when I could do the bare minimum before having to sit down and rest my leg. Fortunately, again magically, his behavior has continued to improve. I'm so glad. I think it was a mixture of a few things.
First, I once again changed my tactic. I had reintroduced "1,2,3 Magic". After a promising start it backfired. He got to the point that he wouldn't listen to me at all until I got to 2. Ugh. Then, I decided to have him go to his room every time he misbehaved. I told him he could come out when he calmed down and was ready to behave. So far, it works like a charm. Hopefully, it continues to work. For now, sending him to his room coupled with trying to catch him when he's good and giving stickers when appropriate has been great. Fingers crossed.
I think the change in discipline tactic was only part of the success I think it was also a timing thing. He's almost 4. Interestingly, he was a surprisingly easy 2, but 3 has been super tough. Also, I think he may finally be adjusting to having a sibling. As I have told people who've asked how he's handling our new addition, he adores his sister, but he's not so sure about his changing place in the world. Now, finally, he seems to be doing better. Yay!
Now, to catch up on pictures...
First, Eli rode a "big boy bike" at Dendi's house for the first time. Dendi took pictures. Last week he rode it again for the second time with Dendi and I and he did a great job. We'll be keeping our eyes out at the thrift store for a "big boy bike" for him to ride at home.
Eli still loves coloring color by numbers and his new favorite activity at Dendi's is taking apart and putting back together as many nesting dolls as Dendi will allow. The first time they did nesting dolls together they played for three hours straight. That's a patient grandma!
Fortunately for Eli, his grandmas have been baking with him. Before Keira was born, Eli helped me make pancakes nearly every day and baked with me almost every week. There haven't been pancakes or baked goods around our house for a long time. Maybe some day we'll get back in the swing. Until then, once again, thank goodness for the grandmas. Here's Eli baking cookies with Dendi.
Eli has been getting "Highlights, High Five" for a couple of months now, thanks to a Christmas present from Dendi. We've enjoyed some great "Mommy Eli Time" cuddling on the couch and reading his magazines. They feature a craft at the end of each issue. One day, we started making a craft with wrapping paper. Eli loved the wrapping paper and soon, it had a life of its own. He was cutting it into tiny pieces for hours, then he decided to make a tent out of it. As you can see, he had a great time.
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