Lessons from a working Mom

These past few weeks have probably been some of the most challenging in our lives.

In addition to the stress of moving into a new house (2000 miles away from our previous residence), and starting new jobs, JP has entered a "difficult" stage in his development. What I really mean to say is that JP has become a pain in the butt!

Our once smiling, happpy baby, has become little more than a blonde flash charging around the house at lightning speed giving little care to who or what is in his path. Take for example the hearth in our living room. Andrew and I see our rock lined fireplace as a potential hazard, and try our best to keep JP clear of it. JP on the other hand thinks he's George Mallory about to embark on a trek up Everest, and that didn't turn out too well!

Additionally he has started nipping (pinching), and biting whenever he becomes frustrated, which is more often than this Mom would like to admit. Sadly I've become his primary target more often than not, but if I am not within reach nearly anything will suffice - a sofa cushion, a rug, or the corner of an end table.
It's a relief to know other parents with kids JP's age are going through the same thing, but it's daunting to think that this behavior could possibly last for a year or more. I could use a little guidance right about now.....I wonder if there is a patron saint for mothers with toddlers who bite.

Needless to say it has been a difficult week. I've found that it is much harder to work, and take care of a toddler than it was when JP was an infant. I feel pulled in so many directions. On one hand I've a 14 year teaching career that I've put much of my time, and energy into. On the other hand it's hard to drop your son off at a babysitter every morning, knowing that he might use a new word today for the first time and you'll miss it, or that he might fall and and hurt himself and it won't be you he runs to for comfort.

*Sigh* Maybe next week will be better!