Toddler Tantrum Central

I was one of those women who thought: My child will be so well-behaved at home and in public. I also thought I could handle anything with my childcare background. Let me just say, that's a huge lie. Biggest lie I ever told myself. In fact, I find myself balled up in the fetal position after my son has gone to sleep, trying to regain my sanity and peace of mind long enough to shower and clean up after supper.

No matter how much experience you have, you don't have a grip on the reality of the toddler stage. They are mean, tiny humans wrapped in the most precious faces and petite bodies. I swear it. They can be evil little monsters. Especially mine.

As of recently, my son has started having the absolute worst tantrums. You'd think The Exorcist movie was a dream—a good dream. My son has never been this way, not even when teething. Three days ago, something clicked within him to cause him to create havoc and hell no matter where we are. It happened overnight. Being a first time mom, I've never had to have a toddler 24/7. I could always give them back. That's not the case this time. He's all mine. Cue the horror movie music.

My son has always been well-mannered, well-behaved, and, well, a peach, really. But these tantrums have me pulling my hair out. He's never been a picky eater—well he is now. He's never had to have a certain cup—think again, mom. He's never had to have something right then and there—he's a pro at proving he does now. I don't know if it's the newfound molars he has, or maybe it's the longer hair? But if you've got the answer, send it my way! I'm losing it over here, y'all!

Gives a whole new meaning to "basketcase."

I never knew the red cup was so much better than the blue cup until now. It has to be a certain cup, done a certain way, and he has to pour whatever he's drinking in there on his own or, by George, he goes bonkers! I mean, my word! My white flag's been waving away right above my head, and it's like no one can see it! Or my devilish son has them fooled with his charming ways. Either way, mama is ready to tap out for about a week's worth of vacation, cause this ain't my child! My angel baby. Nope, someone stole him and traded him out with a mean one!

Now that tantrums have hit this household, you can pretty much count me out on everything else. Laundry? It's every man for himself, minus the toddler ruling the roost. His arms aren't long enough. Dishes? Foam or plastic? Sweeping and moping? You better just keep your shoes and socks on, cause as soon as he sees the broom, it's all over with. I never knew an almost-two-year-old could rule the world, but here my son is, killing it!

Although he's been an absolute monster lately, I love him more than life itself. He is what I live for. I wouldn't change a thing about him, nor would I change the fact that he's every bit of me and his daddy combined. It may be hell right now, but I'll miss this one day. When my house is spotless, clean, and doesn't smell like dirty diapers and cheetos. But I won't lie, I wouldn't be mad if he let up a little bit; took it a little easier on me. But if he did that, would he really be mine?

I love being a mother and having a tiny little person who's a perfect mixture of my husband and I, but as of right now, he's all daddy. This is the daddy in him showing. In all honesty, even as chaotic as life is right now, with the mean toddler and sleepless nights, I wouldn't trade it for anything in this world. I love my life just the way it is! Especially tonight! Mama got a nice long, hot shower that lasted longer than eight minutes, and no fight at bedtime due to the no nap strike he has started! Extra cuddles and extra sleep!