Love Bites and Runaways

I don't know what has gotten into Mia. She's usually an affecionate "Momma's Boy" (still working on our gender issues.) A couple days ago, while fiercely hugging my leg, she nipped me. Those little front teeth left a bruise on my thigh. We talked about biting, she got a time out, etc. Then yesterday while having another of those intensely affectionate hugs, she bit my shoulder. I almost dropped her. It stung for the rest of the day. I think Mia got the message when I showed her the bite and said "Owie for Momma! NO BITE!" because now, whenever she glimpses my shoulder, she searches for the bite mark and says "No bite! No! Momma owie. I saw-y (sorry)." Well, now it sounds cute, but it really wasn't at the time.

And then there's Ali. Highly emotional Ali. Getting ready to go to the park, I sent the girls in to put on closed toe shoes. Apparently this is not specific enough. Ali came out wearing ballet shoes (has a closed toe), then white sandals (no closed toe, but closed heel) and finally white patent leather dress shoes (has a closed toe). When I did not agree to her choice in footwear and insisted on her Nikes', she lost control - "But my Nike's are BORING. Nobody will play with me because I don't have pretty shoes! They're so WEIRD!" This was followed by lots of crying. When she finally grasped her options: Nike's or no park - she packed a bag with winter clothes, blankies, and the patent leather dress shoes and stood at the front door. When I asked what she was up to she said, "You never let me wear what I want to so I am running away to my friend Audreys' house. I am going to live there!" I said that I'd miss her, and in case she hadn't noticed Audrey's shoes lately, I don't think her mom lets her wear what she wants either. It didn't work, Ali still thinks running away is like going on vacation. "Please Mom? Why can't I run away? I know how to get to there!" I recently found out that a friend may have a connection with a policeman who may be giving Ms. Runaway a call. I'll be keeping his name and number for situations I anticipate coming up in about 12 years. Scary thought.