Where is Joey?

And who is this naughty little boy who has taken his place?

This has been quite a week! Saying "no" to everyone. Hitting me, the dog, the cat, and your poor little friend Owen! Refusing to eat. Having complete meltdowns over changing your diaper, going up the stairs, or getting out of your crib....

What is going on? You're only 17 months old! Babies are supposed to be easy, nice, and sweet. It's not until they turn 2 that things get terrible - right? WRONG!

Well - Mr. Independent, Mr. I'll Do What I Want When I Want, Mr. My Wish is Your Command - Let me introduce you to the new Mommy: Mrs. Mommy is the Boss, Not You! :)

Don't forget my love; Mommy went to school for this! For 7 years! You're one of the lucky ones! You came out of my tummy with a Behavior Management Manual attached to you!

Here's Phase One of Plan: Mommy is the Boss.

1) There are no binkies in the house. Contrary to your belief, a binky is not necessary for the entire day! A binky is ONLY necessary when you are sleeping in your crib.

2) You will not eliminate all the foods you like one by one. Instead, you will get your main course first. And then, when that is finished, THEN you can have your fruit.

3) There are time outs for hitting now. And for throwing the dogs food in her water bowl for the 100th time, and banging the cabinets back and forth back and forth back and forth.

Don't think you can get around these rules by throwing tantrums either. You've been trying a lot of those lately. And have you noticed? They don't phase me! I'm happy to sit on the floor and ignore you while you cry, and roll, and throw your favorite blanket. I know you'll stop. And when you do -

Well, then I'll smother you with love and kisses. And pretend I am a clown, and sing your favorite silly songs, and help you try on my boots, and let you dip your toothbrush in the water 4 times, and read only the first page of every story so we have time to read them all, and turn on "Hi-5," and have all your favorite buddies over to play.... Because after all - even though you've turned about 63 of my hairs gray this week. You are still the sweetest, most generous, most adorable, and most loving little boy I know! And I love you so much!!! So don't ever forget it (and try to listen to me a little more often)!