Temper, temper.

Walter has been such a joy since his arrival.  Each child is a complete surprise, and you never know what little personality is showing up.  But we fell in love with him immediately, and he was a wonderful baby.  He slept (the most important quality in young children, I've decided), he smiled, he cuddled, and was content to just be.  

We got a glimpse of his little temper every now and then, but we couldn't be completely confident how strong it would be once he reached toddlerhood.  Well, it's here in full-bloom, and it is impressive.  While he continues to be happy and content 95% of the time, as soon as Walter decides he's angry, frustrated, or he doesn't get exactly what he wants at exactly the right time, then prepare yourself for the most epic temper tantrum of all time.  I'm talking face on the floor, kicking, arms flailing, and immediate and impressive crocodile tears.  And he can turn in on and off in approximately 0.25 seconds.  

A recent example, and my favorite temper tantrum to date,  occurred over July 4th weekend at our farm in Mississippi.  Walter fell in love with the tractors and 4-wheelers, and believed it was always his turn.  When his turn was over and Dad took Henry for a ride, this was the show we all received from the front porch.

Please note that he's rolling around amidst some seriously prickly pine cones.  I'm sure it only spurred the anger (since, like his mother, he gets really really angry when he gets injured).

When no one came to his rescue, but instead sat on the front porch and laughed and photographed this ridiculousness, he started aiming his screams at us.  Since I refuse to acknowledge or encourage such behavior, he doesn't get a lot of sympathy from our crew.

But the second he realized the sounds of the 4-wheeler were getting closer, the tears and screaming stopped and he popped up on his feet.  He then chased the 4-wheeler down, demanding another ride (note his brother happily leaving the 4-wheeler while little brother takes a turn).

There are some battles I refuse to fight.  Like when he wants the entire container of puffs when we're all trapped in a car where there's serious concern for eardrums.  Just give the baby his puffs - who cares?!?! Clearly, this is not my first child - never would have allowed such with Henry...

And then there are some special people in his life that will let him get away with almost anything to avoid that little temper.  Like his Gigi, who will squeeze him on her lap with his older brother for a ride.

 And his Aunt Lauren ("Lo Lo"), who has incredible patience with him.

But all-in-all, I'll cut the kid some slack.  All he really wants is to be a big boy and do a lot of things by himself.  Unfortunately,  he doesn't have many words yet, so I think this is the root of a lot of his frustration.  He's trying really hard to talk, but as of right now, everything sounds the same.  Unless he's roaring - that, he's mastered. :)

So if he wants to wear the teething necklaces around the house, why not?

And if he wants to spend 30 minutes practicing going up and down on the fireplace ledge, knock yourself out kid. [This is also a bizarre thing about his little personality - he's so careful about everything.  Careful in the water, careful about bumping his head, etc.  And in the past month, he's spent hours learning how to go up and down on this ledge without needing to bend over and also use his hands.  Complete and total opposite from Henry.]

 Make a horrendous mess by learning to use a spoon on your own? Fine with me!!!

And let your big brother teach you what to do with all these giant colored pieces of chalk while the big kids ignore you?  Precious.

So should you see us in public in the midst of a giant meltdown, please note it's not common.  But feel free to stick around for a minute because it can be quite entertaining.  Paul and I know the next few years are going to be a complete challenge as we try to mold this little personality without breaking any of his spirit.  But we'll do the best we can, and continue our fervent prayers for guidance.