Oh, Henry!

I find myself saying this phrase over and over each day to my curious and busy 2-year-old boy. When I first had sweet little Henry Beau, a friend of mine with a little boy also named Henry told me to get ready: the “Oh, Henrys” are coming.

Well … they are here.

Maybe it’s because he’s the third baby and has two older siblings to watch and mimic. Maybe it’s because by the time you get to baby number three, you’ll sell your soul for a good night’s sleep or a hot meal and you give in a little easier.

Or maybe, the answer is simpler. If little boys are a force of nature, then Henry is a hurricane. Whatever the reason … Henry is as wide open as they come, and this week, he’s been coming for my sanity. Hard and fast.

It might seem like I’m being dramatic, but believe me I’m not. The most interesting compliment I’ve ever received from a doctor is that I’m an accurate parent. If I’m worried, it’s for reason. If I say it, it is so.

So here’s my accurate diagnosis: my son has been infected with toddler logic.

For instance, here’s a list of things Henry’s decided aren’t for him this week: breakfast, lunch, dinner, naps, sleeping through the night, bathing, clothes, diapers, his car seat and the word no. Oh, Henry!

I know it’s a phase. I see glimmers of the boy he’s becoming. He loves cars, running, giving hugs and playing with animals. I know how quickly he’s going to grow and start to manage these emotions. I know it’s going to get better.

But last night when he was trying to run away from me in a dark parking lot, and laid out STRAIGHT UP IN HIS FEELINGS with the headlights of oncoming traffic shining on him, the end of this phase didn’t feel soon enough. Oh, Henry!

Once I got him strapped in his car seat, I stood outside in the cold listening to his cries, fighting my own urge to lie down on the asphalt and have a meltdown myself.

Oh, Henry and Oh, Henry’s Mommy.

With repetition, distraction, clear boundaries and encouragement, we’ll make our way through this phase – hopefully with my sanity still intact. Toddler logic is only a temporary diagnosis. Right?!

Like this post?

Get parenting inspiration and encouragement delivered directly to your inbox by signing up for our once monthly email.

About Jessica Woolwine

Jessica Woolwine is a native of Hampton Roads and lives in Hampton with her three “miracles” Jackson (9), Abby (5) and Henry (1). As a mother to a childhood cancer survivor and a micro-preemie, she began the blog Mothering Miracles in 2014 to support other families dealing with health issues. Jessica also works as Creative Director for Rubin Communications Group and enjoys mixing her talents for graphic design and creative writing with community relations. She is a past member of both the CHKD Family Advisory Council and the CHKD NICU Family Advisory Council.