Cute Going On Compulsive

Obsessive is not a strong enough word. I am not even sure how to describe his infatuation and repetition of certain activities and music. But what always starts out as a cute crush, builds to a compulsive behavior and then ends (yes, it has to end) with a melt-down.

Over the past few weeks Alex been obsessive over listening to the “Limbo Rock,” head butting the coffee table, feeding Casey treats, dancing to “Hurry, Hurry Drive the Fire Truck,” brushing his teeth (with water and imaginary toothpaste – and only with water and imaginary toothpaste), carrying the sprinkler around like a security blanket, sitting in chairs, watching home video from the beach, walking around in my shoes and flushing the toilet.

Like anything, the first time is cute and the second time is tolerable, but the tenth time is excessive. We’ve now learned to put an immediate stop to these activities – like ripping off a band aid - as there is no gradual termination. It only ends in wanting more, signing more (which can buy two extra rounds) and then falling to the ground, kicking his legs and screaming for more.