The Battle

I may have mentioned this a time or two before, but I've got an incredibly strong willed 2yr old, even for a 2 yr old he's strong-willed.

Naps recently ended, which is more than a little heart breaking for me; Momma needs her afternoon nap.

Last night, we struggled several times with our TD Monster for sleep, but each time sleep won out.

This morning, he awoke not only exhausted, but also barking. Oh, the curse of the barking cough! How we loath it!

There were water works and tantrums from the very moment the sun rose... the toddler Monster cried some too.

And thus began

The Battle of the Cranky Croup Monster.

It was hard fought; both sides were fearless and at times teary-eyed. Occasionally the Snot-Nosed Princess joined the ranks, but alas, she has been known to change sides as the tides turn.

The volley was endless and the destruction was great. Oatmeal on the floor; crackers in the hair. Time outs were had, calm down corners aplenty. Toys littered the playroom. er.... Battlefield! Momma's wits were coming to an end. SOS texts were sent to Husband and loved ones but no help arrived.

Books were read and thrown; Bribes offered and denied. And the Children's Benadryl was no-where to be found.

The Snot-Nosed Princess was sequestered. The Pooch was banished to the yard. Momma downed some liquid courage in the form of Diet Mountain Dew. Slowly the Battle moved down to the hall and into the Cranky Croup Monster's Lair.

Woefully the Battle did not wain and Momma was discouraged. There was wrestling and retreating as the Battle escalated to its peak. Momma began to think all lost and prepared to concede defeat. But then, she caught just the smallest glimmer of hope. Could it be?!? Could a triumphant end truly be in sight? She daren't anticipate an easy finish for there was much fight left in the Monster still, but with a sliver of hope, Momma mustered all shreds of strength from every corner of her being.

As the final struggle played out, Momma watched triumphantly as the beast slipped off into a peaceful spring slumber.

And so The Battle of the Cranky Croup Monster, hard fought by all, was won and Momma wistfully closed the door on the resting Monster to sneak off for a sandwich and a nap.