Tears and Tantrums

This is the face of the little man who does not want to wear sunblock. 

At 4.5 months, Harrison has developed quite a personality. Usually such a happy, smiley, laughing boy, the last two weeks have shown us a different side to his character. Little paddies and growls of frustration have become a daily norm, as he struggles to understand his feelings and carry out tasks his growing mind so desperately wants to do. If he's being particularly grouchy, simply leaving him alone in a room whilst I carry out one of the myriad chores is enough to set off an impressive vocal range of whining. And if left unattended too long, he will work himself up into quite a tantrum (with real tears and everything!).

Of course, I can usually nip any grumpy behaviour in the bud early on with my amazing repertoire of silly faces / songs / dances, and I of course do not leave him alone for long, especially if he starts getting upset. In fact, it's amazing how jobs that take 30-40 minutes (like cleaning the bathroom) can be finished in mere moments once his angry little cries start up. As a new mum, I used to drop everything and rush to him at the merest hint of a sob. Now I've learnt the difference between his whining cries for attention (usually greeted by cheeky grins the second he sees me) his frustrated huffs and his actual, fearful howls. You know the ones, where the bottom lip drops and their cry is louder than a passing freight train. 

The upshot of his mental development happening right now is that there will be tears and tantrums, but there are also proper cuddles, whole babbling conversations, giggle fits and plenty of smiles and kisses.