The gleam in his eye is such that you'd think the sun was reflecting in it. I can see the steady resolve. Slowly, methodically, purposefully he moves closer.
Like an animal backed into a corner I realize I must match this intensity if I hope to come out of it unscathed. I stand to my feet, slowly without lowering my gaze. I must not look away. Keep it together! I raise my trembling hand to my forehead and wipe my brow. I feel the chill crawl down my spine. This is it. Steady now.
He paces cautiously in a circle, never looking away.
Fresh beads of sweat introduce themselves to the back of my neck causing a shiver I refuse to allow. I match his gaze, I stay the same distance from him, pacing opposite him awaiting his move, ready to counter. Then I see it.
He stands up straight, plants his feet firmly beneath him and I swear I see a small curl on his upper lip.
I crouch further to strengthen my stance. Here it comes. I fight the urge to close my eyes while dropping to a fetal position on the floor. Stay strong. You can do this.
The neighbor's dog starts to howl as he hears the most shrill, inhuman-like, chilling wail ever followed instantly by a blunt thud. I dive in, grabbing him by his waist, fighting what I would swear was an octopus, arms and legs everywhere. Twisting, turning, twirling. I hold on trying to sustain minimal damage. All at once I snatch him up and run.
He swings wildly like a caged animal hitting me square in the nose. He wants blood. Another blow to the knee.
Limping and bleeding I maintain. I must complete the task or no one will be safe! Finally I see it, its right in front of me. Almost there. I plant this little ball of fury firmly behind the baby gate to his room for a nice long time out! With an almost unseen smirk in the corner of my mouth I wipe my hands together and walk off. Victoriously ending the temper tantrum from my 3-year-old!
I'm convinced moms should have military-issued body armor for moments like this...
Showing posts with label toddler. Show all posts
Showing posts with label toddler. Show all posts
Friday, September 4, 2009
The Showdown at Oh-Kid Corral
Posted by Mamasaun at 4:03 PM 3 comments
Labels: children, family, parenting, preschooler, temper tantrum, toddler
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