Why?

I have been waiting for this day to come. I knew that it would be soon, but I thought I'd be better prepared. Ella has come to the stage in her life where every other sentence out of her sweet little mouth is a question. And half of the other sentences are her asking for stuff she sees in magazines or on television.

"What is it Momma?"
"I want that, Momma! I want that!"
"But why, Momma?"
"I NEED that Momma!"
"Why? Why? But why?"

This stage in a child's life is often showcased in tv comedies and movies. Comedians use it in standup acts. I have witnessed it in the department store when a child wants every toy in the aisle. I always said I'd handle it differently than other moms had. But no.

I am able to let most of E's questions and "wants" slide right off me. I give her an explanation or I tell her maybe Santa will bring her that toy for Christmas. Of course being the inquisitive gal she is, these answers are not enough.

I have started to get angry with her now. I'm thinking most of it is because of all the stress I've had these past few weeks with Grayson's teething. I don't want to be the angry mom. I want her to know answers and I want her to know that she doesn't need every toy or book she sees. I try to distract her with somethings else, but then she usually has a million questions about that.

I try to just breathe when it gets too overwhelming, but sometimes it's just so hard not to yell at her. I don't tell her to "shut up." That's a phrase I don't believe a child should hear or use. I do tell her that mommy has a headache and needs some quite time. Or I tell her she needs to be quiet for a while. This usually doesn't work.

I guess I just need to suck it up and become the walking encyclopedia I always knew I was.....Encyclopedia Mommy Sarah, Volumes 1-3, with a new addition coming every year for the next 15 years! Grayson will just have to deal with the used volumes when his time comes. :-)