The big fit and the giant hurdle

So I indulged myself to no end at an outlet mall in Arizona on Friday. Spent too much money. Spent too much time.

Quinn was pooped, but we just kept shopping. I knew I was getting dangerously close to the nap time window, but, again, we just kept shopping.

She fell asleep on the short drive home, and her aunt Katie got her out of the car while I carried McKenna inside.

That didn't go well.

She was still crying when I put her into her portable crib for her nap. The crying got louder. Stuff started flying, and the requests got more and more ridiculous. "Go" "Stay" "Open the door" "No" "No" "No" "No"!!!!!

This went on for awhile. I tried being the bad cop, the good cop, the quiet mom, the stern mom, the sensitive mom. At times I tried giving her what she wanted, but it was too late ... she was having a fit.

Finally, I decided on a different method. I picked her up out of the crib and carried her into a bedroom. I held her in my arms on the bed (against her will) and talked very softly. She calmed a little and then would freak out again.

Then it happen.

I let go of her and she ran beeline back into her room, and, no joke, she HURDLED into the crib. She just put her hands on the rails and jumped in like it was nobody's business. Then, of course, she proceeded to cry and throw her fit.

I just started laughing hysterically! Since when does she know how to get in and out of a Pack N Play? She sleeps in them all the time and still sleeps in a crib at home. She has never indicated that she knew she could get out on her own. I have always thought that she could get out if she really wanted to, but I had no idea it would be a freakin' piece of cake. I was floored, and it just put the moment in perspective.

I realized this fit was more than I knew what to deal with. I lured her out of it with promises of Barney, and we moved on with out day.

With no nap.

P.S. Of course the next morning, she called for us..."I'm up! Get me out!" I went in and got her out of bed as if she were a little baby who could not do it herself. I'll let her stay little at heart for as long as she wants to. But, wow, now I know the truth.