Boy howdy

She makes me crazy and keeps me sane at the same time.  Is that possible?  I never cursed much out loud in front of the children before she came.  But, yes, that's right, there has been a shit or two let loose around here in recent months...like the time she peed on the living room rug...and the time she peed 3 times in one day (not in the potty).  This girl knows how to use the potty.  Don't let her fool you.  In fact, she may be the smartest of all our kids at this age (no offense other kids).  She's got a vocabulary of a 5th grader.  She can cut her supper with a fork and a knife (that's right we let 2-year-olds use knives in our house - under the premise that it is always safer if they just know how to use it correctly - or the premise that we just looked over and she was doing it correctly so we just let her carry on - I don't remember for sure which premise it was).  She's been able to dress herself, including sock and shoes since, well I don't really remember how long she's been doing that, so for drama's sake let's say since she was 15 months!  I am pretty sure she could nurse Henry if given the opportunity.  Just kidding, he's still a little too heavy for her to pick up.  

 I love a kid with hands in their pockets.

 Always wants to be involved and included.  Likely asking here, "Isn't it bootiful?"

 Real show of love - sharing the Popo.  Though she has always loved Henry.  It was me she was a little perturbed at when we brought him home.

 Once again, wants to be included - big kids are learning piano, so she has to practice too.

 Packing up for our trip to Palomar Mtn.  We told her to expect snow.

I'm not sure how it all works, but she does keep me grounded as much as she makes me feel like I am losing my mind.  I guess she helps me remember not to take myself, my plans, the cleanliness of my home, etc too seriously.  She forces me to slow down and give her the attention she needs.  She pushes me to the absolute edge and then in an effort to reconcile and end the day in peace, I reach over her crib, stroke her chubby little cheek and whisper good night.  She rolls over and roars at me.  And we both go to bed with a smile on our face.