When it comes to second-child stereotypes, Quinten is the poster-child for many things. Ornery and sweet are the most common descriptions of our little blondie. Other names we call him: turkey, firecracker, and trouble maker. Although ornery shows itself more often than the sweet, he still gives killer hugs. Like, squeeze as hard as his little two-year-old arms can squeeze and wrap those chubby little legs around your stomach hugs. He’s made his own bedtime routine: go to bed, listen to Maximus go to bed, and request another hug from whoever is leaving Maximus’ room.
More, more hug. Pease. Hug.
He has these looks that can stop you in your tracks. He loves a good pout face with eyes downward and a serious scowl. But there’s always a smirk right behind it. It’s a bit scary to watch the transformation between a mean look and a smirk that says he knows EXACTLY what he’s doing.
It’s no surprise that he can do everything his brother can do. Including stealing his brother’s car seat when Maximus isn’t around. {I forgot that 2-year-olds move their chest clip around. In this picture he’s moving it up to his neck. We taught Maximus to teach other people where it needs to go, on his tickle. That was the best way to ensure he was buckled in properly. Totally forgot this kid doesn’t know that and that he probably won’t listen to us or tell others.}
He loves hard and fights harder. This weekend I heard Maximus and Quinten yelling at each other outside. I went to the window to make sure everything was ok. I watched the yelling stop, Maximus push Quinten, and Quinten turn in the opposite direction. Before I could scold Maximus for pushing his little brother, Quinten veered around and charged after Maximus. It ended in Maximus hurt and screaming. After he was done, Quinten walked away and picked up a wheel barrel and walked away. So. Don’t be worried about the baby of our house. He’s doing just fine. It’s the rest of us who could use some prayers! We all struggle with how to handle our “baby.” How to play with him when he doesn’t share very well yet, how to discipline him when he likes to climb out of timeout, and how to reinforce the good behavior so he’ll keep doing it.
After a trying weekend with both children, he’s soaking up the single child thing while Maximus is at preschool. He’s all sweet and funny and not even a little bit naughty. Other than his hair sticking up, there’s almost no trace of ornery. This morning he’s been playing with a dump truck, sound effects and all. Picking up cars and dumping them off at what I can only assume is a construction site.
He’s all manners and helpfulness this morning. Except, of course, when he wants you to do something or get him something. Then he’s pretty demanding and yelly.
Get my shoes! In Maximus’ room. Get them! Get my shoes MOMMY!
Another stereotype he’s locked down is sneaking into Maximus’ room when Maximus is gone. I was putting groceries away while he sat on Maximus’ floor playing with blocks {and ruining structures}. Then, sitting on Maximus’ bed reading books. While big brother is away, always hang out in your brother’s room.
I have the rare luxury of spending a couple of hours alone with my little guy. I’m not sure who’s having more fun, but I need to make an effort to do this morning often. With both of them. Everyone benefits from some alone time with only one child {or a husband, too}!
How do you make sure you spend alone time with your little ones? Or husband?
I can totally see the younger one invading older brother’s privacy when he’s away too.
I’m able to spend alone time with the baby when big brother is at school. Then on weekends I able to have time with the big brother. Hubs and I try to do a date night once a month.
Oh, man. You guys are doing awesome at being connected with each other and spending quality one-on-one time with your kids. We need to do this!