Did you know that I live with the HULK? At least that’s what my toddler becomes when it’s time to change his diaper or clothes…
The Hulk.
First thing in the morning, around 7:15am, I hear Ben start talking through the monitor. He calls for ‘mommy’ and his ‘ooks,’ which are books in his little language. I look forward to opening his bedroom door every morning and seeing that sweet, smiley, chunky-cheeked baby. Those quiet few minutes, when it’s just he and I in the morning, are some of my favorite of the entire day. But, they are short-lived…as all good things are, right?!
Shortly after those first morning snuggles and smiles, The Hulk makes his appearance dressed as my 21-month old baby boy. What sets him off? What makes this adorable baby suddenly grow the strength of boy 10 times his size? A simple diaper change and change of clothes.
The second Ben sees the diaper he smirks and starts trying to run away. So it immediately becomes a game of ‘catch me in you can.’ His room may be small but he always finds a place to go. Tucked behind his rocking chair, in the closet behind the box of diapers, behind his bedroom curtains. This is when the struggle begins…trying to carefully and gently pry him out of whichever corner of his bedroom that he’s chosen for refuge that particular morning. I lay him down, give him some sort of toy (or anything to keep him occupied. ‘Here buddy, you want to hold these nail clippers?’), start to take his pajamas off and reach for the diaper tabs.
This is when Ben steps up his game. He starts trying to roll over, kicking his legs, yelling (as I’m shushing him so his sisters don’t wake up), grabbing my hair, trying to reach for the dirty diaper that I just pulled off. The Hulk is now in full character and seems to love every second of my struggle. If there is a diaper rash, or any reason to apply diaper cream? Forget it. There will be Aquaphor (my fav!) in his hair, on my clothes, all over my carpet and on his feet. Now, Ben is a big guy. He’s 21 months and 36lbs but how, during the diaper change, does he grow super-human strength? Six times a day we play this game and fight this fight. His little legs are somehow stronger than all the strength I can muster from my hands and arms. It’s actually pretty amazing and terrifying all at the same time.
Eventually, mom prevails. I get the diaper on and put on his clothes for the day ahead. I may be sweating and a little pissed by the time it’s all over, but The Hulk eventually disappears and my sweet baby returns.
Until next time, Hulk.
Mommy Diatribes
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