Transformation

It goes without saying that kids are constantly growing and changing.
Over the last few weeks, each of the Lummin’s have undergone a transformation that has noticeably changed their personalities.



Holden’s transformation has not been the source of celebration.
He’s become a bit of a sour apple.
Whereas he used to be the happy-go-lucky boy who would smile and reach out to everyone, he now clings and hides his face when strangers approach. While he did amuse us with his silly antics, he now frustrates and irritates us, me.
Before: he’d amaze us with his talent of shoveling food into his mouth faster than we could give it to him. Now: he begins screaming SCREAMING and demanding the food before we’ve barely set foot into the kitchen. Pitching a wild fit while I hastily make his food, and then thanks me by throwing it all on the floor! And wildly flailing his arms and screeching some more!
He used to amuse us with his silly antics.
He now throws drop-down, drama-queen temper tantrums! If you do not give him the exact thing he wants at the exact time (and I am forever trying to figure out what that exact thing is), he revolts. Hollering and carrying on as if we’d cut off his pinky finger, working up a sweat, using his entire 25 pound brute strength to overpower me. (God what am I going to do when he turns 15?)
The simple tasks of changing his diaper, getting dressed or undressed, cutting fingernails, or strapping him into the carseat have become strenuous workouts. It’s a matter of holding him down and tolerating the screaming while trying to maintain my composure.



I call him a sour apple because he makes my mouth pucker and swallow down the curse words I want to shout at him. He makes my brain pucker from all the mental energy I use for ignoring and tolerating the many many tantrums.


Sophie’s transformation has been much more delightful.
If I had to narrow it down and find exact words for what she’s become, I’d say she has become a child, a real human being who thinks for herself.
I know that sounds weird. But that’s what it is.



She’s now capable of her own thoughts and decisions. You can talk and reason with her. She will take an idea, swirl it around in her brain and ponder until she can articulate exactly what she means.
She’s no longer the toddler that just says and repeats words. You cannot get away with trying to trick or cajole her into something.
She constantly asks why. CONSTANTLY. She wants to know the reason behind everything. And while I find her need for learning about the world amazing, it does become tedious and annoying having to explain the reason for every single thing I do.
She has morphed into an independent little girl.
She chooses what she wants to wear and what music she wants to listen to. She amazes me with her original songs and nonsense words.
And boy can she manipulate. Excuses, excuses for everything…stalling tactics…creative ways to get what she wants without directly asking…



Other random tidbits:

• Holden can stand up by himself and will walk around holding on to furniture. We are anxiuosly awaiting the day he takes his first steps. But for now, he prefers to do the speedy butt-scoot to get around.
  

• Sophie now sleeps in a big girl bed. Being so independent, she adores that she can now get out of bed all by herself and dance around the room instead of taking a nap.

• You can click on the photos or my Flickr badge to view many other Lummin photos on my Flickr page.

• New poll up over to your right! Go vote.