The last couple of weeks have been hard, hard because LPV and I haven’t slept in our own beds since November 16th, hard because we’re away from expatdaddy and our life is still in limbo. However mainly its been hard because I’m in unchartered territory……….we have entered the “slapping zone” LPV is slapping faces all the time, mainly mine when he angry or frustrated. I know it’s a phase and he’s just trying to express himself. Trying being the operative word, he’s trying my patience and I’m not sure how to handle it. If I shout I feel guilty, I’m trying to handle it in a calm manner, ignoring him for a minute and a half, or holding his hands by his sides and in my sternest voice telling him he’s being “bold”. I don’t know if this is the right way but it’s all I’ve got. The truth is I’m exhausted from doing this on my own now, don’t get me wrong my parents/family have been amazing helping me watch LPV giving me time to go to the gym and for this I am so grateful but I missing being in my house, with my things and with my husband.
On Sunday we head back to Amsterdam where we’ll be living in an apartment until our house is ready, we’re there for 4 days then we’re off to Ireland for christmas. This I’m looking forward too, being with the family it’s been too long since we’ve seen them. It’s bitter-sweet tho as I know come sunday limbo will get worse and it’s more plane rides, living from suitcases waiting for things to get going with our house.
I know in this time I’m going to turn to my friend, a friend that’s always been there for as long as I can remember but this particular friend, although always there to make me feel better, also has a negative effect on me…….Yes CADBURYS CHOCOLATE I’m talking about you!! I love but please leave alone, as this monday I joined chub club and with you stalking me it’s really not going to go well.x
expatfamilyescapades 
Hmm Cadbury’s *tries not to drool*. But what a gedoe with all the moving, toeing and frowing and poor little LPV, apart from the disruption he’s going through it’s also a phase that boy’s go through, it will pass and you just need to be strong for him, don’t shout, it will just make him more frustrated, but keep doing what your doing, holding his hands down, saying no and also what I do with mine when he’s angry is just cuddle him – he soon melts and it’s all over… safe travels
Bet you are looking forward to being settled in your new place and it must be hard to feel so unsettled over Christmas. Hope you enjoy the festivities though and know that settled home, and all the washing, cleaning, cooking that comes with it, isn’t far away 😉
Home is always our comfort zone surrounded by our stuff! You’re doing fab – not sure if i’d still be sane in your position!
My advise – give in to the Cadbury’s and sort out the after effects after! You need all the help you can get!
With the slapping thing we had that too, I did 2 warnings with “No don’t do that it’s not nice” and then removed him from my vicinty if he didn’t stop. When he came back nicely it was cuddles. Took about 1-2 weeks but worked.
Good luck with all the flying!
Toddler here’s going through that stage of frustration, not to mention the huge tantrums! I tell her no and sit her away and when she’s calm she comes back for a cuddle. It harder to try and stop the 7yo from hitting her back!
I hear ya’ sister! Hubby was home for a whopping 3 days from October 10 until yesterday (Dec. 18)… it’s tough for sure. Happy Holidays!