Mutiny!

Call me Mother of the Year.

So Peanut is still completely enamored with his Tula. He begs to hold her every chance he gets, constantly talks about her and to her, and does his level best to hold her hand and shower her with stuffed animals. That's the good news.

The bad news is Peanut has a cold. And Boomer and I are desperately trying to keep it from Tula. We're also trying to explain this to Peanut. That's the bad news.

In our attemps (so far successful- fingers crossed!) to keep our faithful big brother from his adored little sister, I've been sequestered in my room while Peanut keeps his run of the house. The downside is Peanut gets less of my time and attention. This is bad. Really bad. For one thing, I miss hanging out with my son. For another, Peanut has been breaking out quite the attitude. I thought I had a few more years, but let's face it, this is my kid we're dealing with.

After a week straight of time outs, temper tantrums, and my going hoarse from yelling, Peanut and I finally had a meeting of the minds today. I realized that the issue was a lack of attention on my part, and he realized that I seriously do not like punishing my son. Tonight went better after I took a few deep breaths and he actually listened to me. For five whole seconds. Beggars cannot be choosers.

I'm taking comfort in the fact that as bad as this has been, at least Peanut never took his bad mood out on his little sister. This could have been so much worse. I can deal with bad moods (mostly) but if Peanut raged against Tula, I don't know how I'd cope.

Right now, though, I'm hoping the worst of this cold is over. I want to hang out with my son again. I want to revel in the joys of both of my children. I want the preschooler mutiny to end so I can finally remind Peanut that he is not in charge. Boomer and I are. Repeat as necessary. And, most importantly, let my son teach his little sister some of his tricks. Some, not all.

Call me Mother of the Year.