First some general background. We think our 22-month-old Charlie is teething, which has caused him to drool, to have trouble sleeping and also to not eat as much (although that got much better today). He's also been on-and-off constipated. Finally, his newborn sister have caused some mild behavioral problems as of late. Nothing too crazy, but he's definitely not his usual angelic self.

Here's the specifics of our situation: two nights this week, Charlie has really really fought his bath time. In both cases, he threw a huge tantrum every time I tried to take off an article of clothing. Then when I was done undressing him, he proceeded to grab each article of clothing and tried to put it back on. He NEVER does this, so it's really unusual behavior.

It was kind of amazing: he insisted that we not only put back on his diaper and onesie, but also his shirt, his jeans, his socks and even his shoes. It's kind of adorable the way he brought each piece of clothes to me and asked that to have it put back on. Although it also wasn't so adorable, since he was wailing at the top of his lungs the whole time.

In both cases, I've let him not go in the bath and then tried again. Tonight I also had to take him outside since he wouldn't calm down. We went on a walk and hung out together with him, me and Mrs. Bee. I figured that that would let him push back bedtime, and give him a sense of control, and also give him more attention. For whatever reason, hanging out together outside did the trick, and I was able to give him a bath after that. He LOVED the bath! So I know it's not a classic bath avoidance scenario (i.e. where he's traumatized by hot water or irritated eyes, or has a fear of going down the drain).

So I'm thinking it's either 1) a control issue/power struggle or 2) he's sad he's not getting enough attention from both mom and dad or 3) he's just not ready to go to bed and wants to push back his bedtime or 4) he's constipated and wants to poop before bath time (although #4 definitely wasn't the case tonight, as he went this morning and then twice at daycare).

Does anyone have insight into Charlie's antics, and is able to diagnose his craziness? Thanks!!