Where'd my sweet baby go?

The beast has arrived. I can't pinpoint which exact day or event has unleashed it...but the time has come. The terrible twos. uggghhhhhhh... I actually saw a glimpse of it about a month ago when I was trying to put her to bed. I thought someone was going to call the cops and CPS from all of the screaming.  I didn't know what to do other than to give in and agree to let her go back downstairs to watch one episode of Sophia the First (Disney Jr.). After that she calmly cooperated and let me put her to bed without one peep of protest.

I am currently writing this entry just after surviving two tantrums, caused by two different events, that happened within minutes of each other. These episodes have been going on for the past 2 or 3 days. So now I'm sitting here while she plays quietly, trying not to make eye contact (or any noise for that matter), hoping to regain strength to make it through the next one...whenever that may be.

Research (and those who have experience) have said that the 'secret' to surviving these tantrums is to stay calm, be patient and DON'T give in...sheesh, let's just hope that I've had my coffee by this point.  Waaaay easier said than done for sure. Especially since research has also shown that during these episodes, the toddler brain cannot understand reason or rationale...so really it's like trying to deal with a crazy person. The screaming, crying, kicking, hand swatting and head shaking should to be dealt with by not speaking to them (you'll just add fuel to the fire) and keeping a calming composure...so basically pretending like nothing is happening? Oh and if they are a thrasher (yes...), you should remove any sharp or pain inflicting objects from the immediate area.

collecting her eggs during the hunt

On a positive note, she has yet to have a fit out in public. I suppose it's only a matter of time since apparently the terrible twos can last until 3 or 4...so unless I lock her up in the house for another 2 1/2 years, I assume I'll have to deal with at least one publicly humiliating episode. Let's just hope my audience is sympathetic and doesn't possess any working recording devices...oh and I also hope that I've done my hair and makeup that day.

My little angel at Easter Mass. Hard to believe she has a crazy tantrum bone in her body.