My Middle Child

It's official. The honor of "Most Challenging Child" has now moved from Jake (holder of the title for 3 years running) to Tanner. Don't know if it's the age (almost 3), the change in daycare situations, the bump on his head he got in August when falling off his stool , or a combination of all three. But there can be no doubt: He has earned the Title.

Most annoying (and somewhat concerning) behavior: He repeats the same question over and over ad nauseum until you want to strangle him. You can answer the question over and over and over and over and he won't stop. It is manic. And exhausting. And a little worrisome. We try to be patient but it wears on us. Our Doc says this could be due to the "concussion" he may or may not have suffered from at the end of August and should end soon.

Saddest behavior: He sobs relentlessly at daycare drop off. I love his new daycare person- Miss Wendy. She has been working with us closely to make it easier on Tanner. But to no avail. She always calls me and tells me when he has stopped crying (generally before I have even made the first left turn onto Cole Rd. on my way home) and the other day she actually videotaped him for me (her idea) so I could see how instantaneously he stops crying and starts happily playing. It was literally as the front door clicked behind me. It is so hard, though, to drop him off in that state every day.

Most Normal but Frustrating behavior for his Age: He does things he knows is wrong often immediately saying, "Don't spank my butt!" which is further evidence that he knows exactly what he did wrong. We never really spanked Jake- since his conscience always seemed to be his guide but with TJ we have resorted to the occasional swat on the behind . Last weekend he hit Faith with a broom, then when we put him in timeout, he kicked her!!! This is not my sweet, loving boy. What has happened to him???? Oh yeah.... he's turning 3.

This too shall pass and will be looked upon with longing and fond remembrance as he goes through the teenage years, I am sure. But for now, if you love my middle child, you may want to say a little prayer that he actually makes it to three years old!

ON THE OTHER HAND: He's just so funny and sweet and sincere that he melts my heart all the time. Last night he and Jake came downstairs around 8:00 saying that they were scared. I asked Jake what he was scared of and he said, "A Witch!". Tanner said he was scared too, so I asked him what he was scared of. Copying Jake (or at least trying to) he said, "I scared of Mitch!". Brian and I looked at each other trying not to laugh and said, "Mitch? Tanner, who is Mitch???". He looked at us innocently and said, "The scary guy in my head". Mitch..... the stuff of nightmares! Then, out of nowhere, he hopped off the couch, pulled off his diaper and jammies, and did an impromptu "Booty Dance" yelling, "Look at my booty, guys! Look at my butt!" repeatedly. Who needs Comedy Central when you've got a show every night in your living room?