Ashwins growing sense of self and need to control his little world

He's 2.5. He's got the idea that he has an identity- ask him his name now he'll tell you ashiwin ram. No more 'I don't know'. With that sense of identity comes this need to exert some control over his life. Like the milk drinking ritual. Oh gosh I'm waiting for it to pass! 

He asks for milk. Specific person to make it none other. Then we bring it to him and he says ' I don't want! ' - exerting his sense of self see. So we say okay and put it away, preferably within his sight. We lie down. He'll then say I want mum mum. Then we  hand him the bottle with the cover on. He lies down and removes the cover himself. If its too tight he gives it back to me to loosen till its just right. Couple of testy episodes may pass for this first stage to be perfected. 

Then he removes it and hands it to my left hand. Not right but left. Then I pass it back to him to re- cover and take out again for some mystical reason I can't fathom. And again till the perfect state is achieved in his mind. On good days this is just once. On cranky nights this can go on for five rounds or more- like 2.30  this night! 

When he is finally pleased with state of the bottle cover having been removed , handed to the correct hand and placed down in the correct spot , he proceeds to guide the bottle to his mouth. If any milk spills - he cries- "wipe milk on my beard :( or hand or wherever." Then at last it goes in. Hurrah! 

Then he's a little angel of course. Happy, full,  he turns over And sleeps with a smile.  :) 

And I of course am Completely awake by then at 3 am !!!! Now it's 5.30. Good night. Kids will be up by 7.30!