We've had a challenging 24 hours. Cassie has decided that she doesn't want to share anything. She has also decided to be mad at Momma. Everything Momma does is wrong. Everything. OK – Momma is allowed to breathe. But touching things? No. Picking up Cassie? No. Putting her down? No. Suggest this? No. Offer that? No. And the reaction is not just a simple no. It's a full blown meltdown, complete with thrashing, swinging arms, and screaming. Dadda feels bad for Momma. He knows the spot she's in because he's there approximately every 28 days or so. That might be a teensy weensy exaggeration but every man knows that feeling. You're just wrong, and any attempt to fix it just makes it worse. Better to just stand there and take it like a man, or Momma in this case.
Cassie is having a difficult time with the fact that Momma is now a shared resource. Chloe is OK with that so far. But Cassie is not pleased. She still has her nice moments. She'll offer the occasional snack and help with the occasional diaper change but for the most part, if Momma picks up Chloe, Cassie is mad. She has been a bit rough with Chloe. She's not hitting her; she's just being a great big kid who jumps up and down, swings her arms and legs, and doesn't quite understand how it feels to be on the other end of all those moving parts. She also doesn't understand the stress she causes with all the screaming and yelling. Momma is at her wits end, and Dadda is within a few inches of his. He's doing better only because Cassie's wrath has largely been directed at Momma. Momma has a great deal more patience than Dadda for such things but she's facing a full frontal assault, while Dadda just gets hit with shrapnel.
A few times last night we were worried that the hotel might kick us out. Yes, it's that bad.
We don't know where this is leading but we are hoping that the worst of it will pass when Cassie realizes that the situation is non-negotiable.
To Dadda's parents and his sister, he offers his apologies for his part in the sibling rivalry of years past. But he's pretty sure it was all his sister's fault because she's older. That kind of logic is perhaps a bit weak, but it has two very important merits:
1. It absolves Dadda of any responsibility.
2. His sister isn't here while Dadda types up this nonsense.
Meanwhile, we still love Cassie every bit as much as we always have. Here are some pictures of her in her more angelic state. For some reason, the camera doesn't pick up the halo over her head. Must be a flaw in the camera design. You'll just have to trust us that it's there.
"Momma, I wasn't born YESTERDAY. There's NO way that thing can fly. Only fairies can fly."
6 comments:
Hoping things take a quick change for the better !!! It can't come soon enough right? At least you still have your sense of humor.
Hang in there! I'm with Michele - you have us laughing with your commentary. Cassie will realize soon that this is a permanent thing and that Mommy has enough love to share for all.
Just keep telling yourself you WILL laugh about this later. This will be a story that both girls want to hear when they are older. Hang in there. We are all cheering you on! And we are sending hugs to Cassie and Chloe... but most of all to Mom and Dad.As Nemo said "Just keep swimming!"
Hi!
We had that when we got home...it was ugly, horrible and seemed like it would never end...then it did. It will pass and in no time they will be teaming up on you.
What helped a ton for us was one on one time with each kid. Divide and conquer isn't a bad way to go. Simple things like Soph and I sneaking off and painting our nails or baking cookies or doing "big girl" things...really helped a ton. Good luck!
Deb
Hang in there momma and dadda! So sorry to here that things are so rough right now. I can't even imagine the emotions that poor little Cassie is having. It will get better. That may not mean much now, but it will! You are right that once Cassie realizes that no matter what she does to momma, Chloe will still be there and things will improve. Sonny, you are so funny, you should be a professional blogger. You have me feeling guilty for laughing while reading about your chaotic situation.
Hey guys! I've been out of town and have just seen the pictures of meeting Chloe! Congratulations! HAng in there with the rivalry thing, things will be so much better when you get back home too, and when you are in your routine. Living in a hotel and having things change so much for Cassie are hard but trust me, she will come around!
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