Yesterday set a record in number of tantrums in one day.......

The first was in the morning after Gabe finished watching Sesame Street. He screamed when I asked him to turn off the television. That was a fairly minor tantrum, but nonetheless a tantrum.

Second was at the doctor's office for Zac's 4-months well-baby visit (He is now 19 lbs. 14 oz.). I left Zac in the supervision of the receptionist while I took Gabe down the hall to use the potty. On our way back, Gabe saw a drinking fountain and asked for a drink. I held him up on my knee and pressed the lever for the water. He took a drink, and then moved his head back while the water continued to run. I kept it running for a few more seconds and asked Gabe if he wanted more. I asked him a few times and he ignored me and didn't take any more, so then I released the lever and put Gabe back down on the floor. So then he had a big fit about that. I took him back into the doctor's office, still carrying on. The receptionist noticed and asked me if she could give him a sticker (to quiet him down, no doubt); but I politely refused, not wanting to reward the tantrum. Instead, I let Gabe continue to cry ("But I don't want to go home! Waaaaaah!) while I put on my coat and got Zac bundled up in the carrier. Eventually, Gabe did settle down on his own, and THEN I let him get a sticker from the receptionist.

Third and final tantrum was, of course, at bedtime. We had a late night last night and didn't start getting Gabe ready for bed until around 9:30. He was overtired. Plus, he decided to wait until 10:30 to get around to pooping (in his underwear; we still can't get that kid to poop in the potty). So, he was running around the living room and bedroom making messes (toy messes, not poopy messes, heh). And then we finally got his teeth brushed (after I had to shut us both up in the bathroom). But the whole time he was upset because he wanted to "help Daddy" put his (Gabe's) puzzles back together (which actually meant continuing to take them apart). Actually, the biggest part of the tantrum took place in the bathroom. He kept screaming "No! I don't want to go to bed! I don't want to brush my teeth! I have to help Daddy! No! No! I want big hugs!" So, I picked him up and just hugged him to me as he continued screaming and talked softly in his ear, "Gabriel, it's time for bed. I know you want to help Daddy, but we have to brush your teeth. You can help Daddy after you brush your teeth." He carried on crying for several more seconds, and then finally screamed, "I want to brush my teeth!!!" "Well then, okay," I said and put him down. He climbed right up onto his stool and we brushed his teeth. And then he was pretty well-behaved the rest of the night.

Phew! I know I shouldn't be proud, but I really am rather proud of myself for how I handled those tantrums yesterday. I could have given in to his demand to watch more television, but I didn't. I could have tried giving him something to settle him down at the doctor's office, but I didn't. I could have totally lost my cool when it was 9:30 at night and he wouldn't brush his teeth, but I didn't.

Now I just have to handle his tantrums this way every time...