Bad Mood Betty

Tinsley,

Despite the cute-ness of this photo, you were in a foul mood yesterday. I’m not sure what happened, but the time between 11-3 was just terrible. It didn’t make sense: you were fed, changed, took a great morning nap. The stars had aligned for a good day!

Perhaps it was the rain outside. Perhaps it you had a case of the Mondays. A few times I had to chuckle at you…there you were, making the WORST pouty face ever, fussing and whining at me. I said at least ten times, “WHY are you in such a BAD MOOD???” You were acting like a little adult. Pissed off about life for no particular reason.

It’s really easy for me to get anxious when you are fussy. Something about the “ehhhh” whine turns my stomach in knots and I feel this urgency to fix whatever is wrong. I came to terms with something yesterday: you are a human being and sometimes you’ll have a bad day for no obvious reason.

Around 3pm, you fell asleep in the car and I sat in the driveway eating a chicken sandwich as you slept. My cousin came over and sat in the car with me. Once you woke up, we all played inside for TWO HOURS with no fussing at all! You even bumped your head a few times and managed to stay happy. Your bad mood had passed and all was well.

It appears that you are most comfortable around me. When others come over, or we visit family/friends, you are on your best behavior! Out in public? No problem! An angel! But when it’s just us two, sometimes you gripe to me. I guess that’s OK. We are close…I am your mom…you should be able to tell me anything. The good, bad, and ugly.

One day I’ll be able to help more. Perhaps offer some good advice or fix whatever the problem may be. But for now, while our communication is limited, I’ll just let you fuss and we’ll somehow work through it together. I promise to be more patient, but I can’t promise I won’t laugh at you.

Love,

Mama

PS: Yes, you discovered door stops yesterday! Woo!