7 Month Old Eli During Bath Time

After a long day at work and a quick workout at the Y, I rushed home to see Eli for for first time since this morning. But instead of the heart-melting, smiling face rushing to greet me at the door, I’m welcomed home with tears. Not just tears, but over-the-top, uncontrollable toddler tears. And there’s Grams, with a bewildered, get-me-otta-here look on her face.

As sometimes happens, Eli falls asleep at the inconvenient time of 6:00. It’s too late for a nap, but too early for bed. After an early morning with Momma, much playing a running at daycare, and a Dad-oo on the road, Eli has just about had enough, and needs a little catnap. Which would be fine, but when he wakes up from this catnap, out comes Crabby Pants and the tears.

After trying the usual happiness-inducing tricks, “Eli, look at the puppies!”, Hippo, graham crackers, juice, and yes, even chocolate, I threw my hands up in the air, and decided that it was bath time. Hoping, with tears in my own eyes, that it would create enough of a distraction to pull Eli out of his downward spiral into Crabby Pants USA.

The rushing water, rubber ducky, baby wash and two crazy pugs running around in a frenzy were enough to grab Eli’s attention, and stop the tears. And then, suddenly everything falls into place. The water is ready. The toys have all been tossed into the water. There are bubbles floating in the water. The toddler is naked. And happy. HE’S HAPPY!!!! I have reclaimed my easy-going, happy-most-of-the-time child.

It’s amazing how some so simploy-brilliant can take a Crabby Pants toddler and turn him in to the sweetest little boy in the world. We went on to have a fantastic night, a great dinner (he even tried some corn!!!) and a painless bedtime. Thank you bath time, you saved the night.