Wild Child

Justin's trademark "pluggy" has served him well, however it's time has come and gone. We tried weening him off it a little at a time, but we value our sleep a bit too much and yielded our resolve. We frequently allowed him his plug at nap time and bedtime when he cried. We held firm in one regard when we agreed we would not replace his plugs when they were lost or ruined. His tendency to hold pacifiers between his teeth shortened the lifespan of his beloved stash of plugs until only one remained...and then there were none. He was not terribly happy with us for a couple weeks.

Twice daily we heard bursts of impassioned, red faced cries from his room. His determination and endurance were remarkable. As this failed to result in the desired change, he forcefully emptied the contents of his crib onto the floor just for emphasis. Did we mention he was not terribly happy with us for a couple weeks?

Then the alligators invaded. Justin's imagination got the better of him and he saw alligators near the door, on the floor, under his crib, and even in his crib. He cried frantically for us calling "Mommmmy! Dadddddy! Alligators in my bed, they bite my feet!" Eventually we could tolerate no more and had to rescue him, at which point he informed us through choking fits and sobs "Alligators hurt me. I cry in my bed." He often went so far as to show us which toes were bitten declaring in an accusatory tone "Right dare."

He normally settled in after a few quiet moments of cuddling with the parent d'jour and his green blanky, but as we walked to his bed, he regularly implored us "Hold you me. I cuddle with you just one more minute." It's hard not to comply.

Other new behaviors include the addition of manners. He has learned to say "Excuse me" when trying to get past us and when he wants to interrupt a conversation to say something.

He's also adopted the curious habit of throwing footballs while yelling "cowboys" or "baseball!" Considering the quality of football he's watched we're not surprised he doesn't know the difference between a football and a baseball.