Limits Tested - Successful Passing Grade

So I wrote that dramatic entry a few posts ago about the challenges we were having with Landon. They have greatly settled for the most part after working through a few thousand iterations and combinations of factors. A big part of it is having someone stay upstairs when he lays down to sleep. Not in his room or anything; he just wants to know if someone is upstairs with him. It's not a big sacrifice right now; there's always laundry to fold or baby thighs to kiss and these things can happen on the second floor. I can drink tea and eat gratuitous amounts of Oreos (three cheers for dairy free creme!) upstairs or downstairs - don't matter to me. 

He has been having a rough patch at school throughout all this and I can tell his teacher is exhausted with his behavior at this point. I was hoping that rectifying his sleep issues would help, but it's only a minor improvement. I think I will start investigating some new school options since I'm not sure if it's the right fit anymore. Which leads me to my revelation of the year... 

I've spent some time reflecting on the challenges from the last couple months and I'm finally settling into some peace. I don't have the child that likes to sit down at circle time at the library and sing Baa Baa Black Sheep. I don't have the child who wants to sit and color for 20 minutes or wear a smock and finger paint. What I do have is an awesome, energetic little man who loves to explore, jump in puddles, climb like he's conquering the Appalachians and stop to do some puzzles as a breather. He likes to introduce his train cars to his dinosaurs every morning. He likes big splashes in the tubbie and running around like a naked mad man as his nightcap before bedtime. Landon is quite plainly, an awesome little boy. Nothing is wrong with him. He could use some parental polishing here and there to ensure he is a productive and kind member of society moving forward, but nothing is wrong with him.

Train in yo' face!

There are headaches and lessons learned in finding the right groove of discipline and compassion for each individual child. When Landon's toeing the line of rules, he needs a firm directive. But when he is being a huge bear, sometimes a hug is what he needs the most. 

He sleeps.

Landon: mommy loves you, little dude. Now for the billionth time, get off the counter, wipe that booger into a tissue and wash your hands. I see some awesome puddles outside so let's get to jumping.