There are times when I feel like I'm fighting with myself.

Calvin's personality is a spitting image of mine. 

Sassy, feisty, determined to always do it his way, a clown, loves to tease, can't stand people to push him around, and um... ready to throw down like a gangsta.

I know you are probably thinking the worst. Me saying that he got this from me. 

Listen, I came from a family of 6 kids and I was the baby...plus we lived in a not so great neighborhood.

I know you would never know it by looking at me, but it's the truth. This white girl has thick skin! I kinda had to be with this hair. White skin and curly hair in the hood is not a great thing. As a child I was super stubborn and gave my mom a run for the "mama paycheck". I had teachers tell my mom "Does she ever turn off?" Yep- I also had tons of energy and was able to run on very little sleep. However, I grew up. I learned right from wrong and now I only show a silly fun side, unless someone messes with my family :)

Anyways, the first time I felt Calvin kick I knew he was going to be an interesting challenge.

He would kick and push so hard in me that my mom would say "lean forward and take the space back, he might break your rib". When he was born, it was a game of chicken every single night (for the first 10 months). He would stay up as long as he could and it was kicking my bum. Calvin knew what he wanted and would take nothing else. Listen people, my friends call me the baby whisperer, but this kid... I couldn't crack. I stuck it out and finally I won, well at least enough for me to get sleep again.

Now that he is 5 going on 6, I feel like I'm fighting with myself at 6 years old. I remember being this feisty. I remember wanting my way and often getting it, because I pushed so hard for it. Thanks Heaven his teacher at school understands him and is working with us. I love that he is like me. I love that he will have an easy life, because his isn't afraid to stand up for what is right or himself. I love that he knows what he wants and won't take anything else, but man oh man... Do I totally understand why my mom stopped at the 6 kid/me. haha

What makes matter worse is that this kiddo is CUTE! This pic doesn't do him justice. Bradley and Calvin will walk up to the lady giving out cookies at Costco and Bradley will come back with one, while Calvin comes back with 5 and a grin left on the lady behind. He gives people a look and it melts them. I'm telling you he could steal a car if I wasn't watching him well enough. Right now, I'm working on teaching him to keep his temper and to compromise. I count down a million times for him and for some reason 5...4...3...2...1... works. Maybe it's because he knows I'm tough and he can't break me. who knows.

Tannoneenee,

I love you so much to the moon and around. I'm grateful that you are just like me, but for the first time in my life I feel like you are kicking my bum. Please stop throwing fits in the morning over clothes you want to wear. Please go make your bed the first time I ask, please just flush the potty and wash your hands. 

Thanks for the fun challenge my furious sweet beast. 

PS I'm just as stubborn and I will win. I will teach you right from wrong and I'm not afraid of your teen years to come. Bring them on!   

~Mommy