I don’t think it is possible, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.  I thought for sure we would make it through Minnow’s twos unscathed.  We were beginning to see mini-tantrums starting at about 20 months or so–but they were really mild and he was super easily distracted.  I have to say that overall we have been pretty fortunate as our little Minnow is an extremely happy child.  He laughs lots and loves to have fun.  He listened pretty well and was happy to do any suggested activity and also liked hanging out in his chair reading and watching the occasional tv show.  He slept until 7:30 on most mornings and had a general sunny disposition.  Have you noticed I started talking in the past tense? 

Something happened on the morning of March 31, 2008.  My cute little boy woke up a full inducted “terrible” two-year-old.  I didn’t even get an invite to the induction ceremony that must have happened in the dark cover of night while the old parents were passed out and dreaming of peaceful days.  Yeah–that is so totally a dream. 

Minnow woke up on his second birthday a completely changed little boy.  He has a fresh supply of endless energy that cannot ever be satisfied–except with hours playing outside–starting at 7 in the morning while everything is still covered in the thick morning dew.  Did I mention that unless Minnow is in the bath or playing in the sink–he doesn’t like to be wet.  He also doesn’t like anything on his hands–play-dough was a total bust. 

He is quick with his frustration, as I should clearly understand his strange requests spoken in that foreign language that sounds like perfect English in his own head.  He will stand at the back door and cry for what seems like an eternity until I let him go outside–where he will kindly let me push him on his swing for an hour or two.  Because, I absolutely have nothing else to do. 

He also has decided that he really doesn’t need any sleep and that daylight is not to be wasted.  He woke up this morning at 4 am ready to go outside and play.  He didn’t want to miss any sunlight.  He waited for it.  We had tried to transition him to a toddler bed–that so didn’t work and he so wasn’t ready.  Bedtime shouldn’t take 4 hours. He is back in his crib, but he now knows what freedom is to be had.  It certainly was nicer when he didn’t know freedom was an option. 

I am hoping this stage of terrible–and let me clarify it isn’t terrible for him it is terrible for the parents–ends soon.  All, I can say is Minnow is lucky that I love him beyond measure but also that he is absolutely the most beautiful/cute child and his smile melts everyone in his wake.  Including me, the disciplinarian.