Feels Like Home: Flowers and Fits

While the two topics of this post have nothing to do with each other, I think they compliment each other well. While I write out the beginning of Finley's toddler antics, I am also sharing the most recent blooms we've enjoyed in the back yard. And yay that it's finally getting cool enough (never thought 81 would be considered cool enough) to actually enjoy our yard again!

Almost a week ago, it's like a switch flipped on inside Finley and she wanted to express herself, but didn't have the words and everything became frustrating for her.

{deck box 1}

The frustration tantrums have started! It was not uncommon to see her flailing on the floor and screaming. Oh my Lord - what happened to our sweet girl?

{deck box 2}

Finley also resorted to hitting and pushing a few other playmates when she wanted what they were playing with, etc. It was strange to watch and we have tried to explain to her that we don't do those things, we play nice, and we try to break up the situation.

{deck planters}

Daycare started noticing these behaviors shortly after we did and devised a structure of removing Finley from the situation and being direct about what behavior was acceptable and, most importantly, praising her good behavior.

{phlox, black eyed susans, and bee balm}

The next day I came to pick Finley up and we got our first bad report. Finley BIT another child when they took her puzzle. I, of course, was humiliated and frustrated, but have been assured that this is a phase and can very easily be controlled with some behavior modifications. I think it hit us (no pun intended!) so hard because this was our first experience realizing that ultimately Finley will make her own decisions in life and as much as we can parent her and love her and teach her right from wrong, ultimately she is her own little person. Ah, scary (and probably over dramatic!!)