"I'm So Happy"

Gabriel has started using the phrase "I'm so happy." His cousins, Ashley and Forest, came to visit a few weeks ago and in his glee and excitement he shouted "I'm so happy". Up until today, he has only said it a few times when he is really excited.

This morning, he decided to throw a tantrum when I tried to dress him. He carried on for over 1/2 a hour, during which, I tried consoling him, reprimanding him, ignoring him, etc. Anyway, the culmination came when I finally had had enough and closed him out of the laundry room. I had clothes to fold and I was tired of listening to him. He went absolutely crazy. But I just left him out in the hall. I figured Todd could take care of it and he did. Todd came out, sat with him and cuddled him until he calmed down. I suppose it sounds like I wasn't being a good mom, but Gabriel was specifically mad at me and nothing I did could calm him down. Sometimes, Todd can calm him down when I can't. Anyway, after a little while Gabriel started to try to get my attention. He has never said "I'm sorry," but I could tell that he was trying to reconcile. So I went over and hugged him and kissed him and told him that I loved him. He stood back, looked me in the eyes and shyly said, "I'm so happy." I gave him another hug and kiss and told him "I'm so happy too." I didn't enjoy the tantrum, but it was wonderful to know that he knows I love him and that it makes him happy.