this kid

i tell ya...i can go from wanting to smother him with love and affection, notably the soft spot behind his ears, to wanting to actually smother him within the span of just a few minutes.  he has a way of making my emotional roller coaster even more thrilling than it normally is.  he is a headstrong, independent, hotheaded, know-it-all who can be as smooth and sweet as...pudding? i was naturally inclined to write butter, but since it is not sweet...pudding!  just this week he decided that brushing his teeth isn't something that he can squeeze in, making it a chore for both of us every time he is asked.  but at the same time, he is happy to do his hair and even take extra time to cover his delicious lips in ointment before he heads out into the cold.  teeth?  nah.  as i am a shock and awe type of mother, conveniently parenting a shock and awe type of kid, i knew that no picture of a child with grimy teeth was going to do the job.  so i went straight for pictures of people whose years of drug use had taken a toll on their mouths.  sweet dreams for that kid.  and this morning?  didn't even have to ask.