N is in an interesting phase where he’s identifying his emotions and trying to display them. If he gets hurt or upset, he’ll tell you that he’s angry, sad, or whatever, and then do his best to maintain the appropriate facial expression. You may remember when his older brother went through this phase.

The other day we were down at the Epcot Food and Wine Festival, and the little guy was having one of those days. Everything was going wrong for him. For example, his mom took him out of his carseat instead of his dad. Even worse, she wouldn’t put him back in so his dad could take him out again. Can you imagine? Things kept going wrong in the park, too. He wanted to wash his hands by himself, for example, but none of the bathroom sinks were low enough for him to reach.

It was just one upset after another. He was getting lots of practice with his angry and sad faces.

At one point, as I was carrying him along, I asked him quietly how he was doing.

“I’m angry,” he said, showing me his angry face. I could have sworn that he was happily looking around just a little while before that, but I could have been mistaken.

“Oh yeah? I’m sorry to hear that.” I said.

“Yeah. I’m angry.” He paused, and then continued, “A popsicle would make me feel better, though.”

I looked at  him for a second. “Ah well. I guess you’ll just have to stay angry for a little while.”

See what I mean? Things just weren’t working out for him.