Christmas According to Aidy

This morning when the girls woke up and came downstairs to see all of the presents under the tree... it was amazing. I've never seen any living beings as excited as those 2 little girls. They played with their new toys and gifts all.day.long. hardly wanting to stop to even eat meals or snacks.

All day it was talk of Santa (or as Kinny calls him "Danda"), Christmas, and presents. I didn't realize that Dora's Christmas Carol playing every day for the last 2 weeks had been leading Aidy's mind up to a Christmas day extravaganza which I am so happy to say her Daddy and I did not disappoint in!

When nap time came there was a bit of reluctance to head to their beds, but complete compliance upon the promise of cookies when they awoke. They had worn themselves out.

When Aidy awoke from her nap and hurried down the stairs to see no new presents under the tree she was disappointed. She thought Santa would visit again! I thought it would be best to better explain it to her by telling her that Santa only came one night a year and it would be a whole year before he came back and put presents under the Christmas tree.

Silly me, I thought it would require further explanation, but without skipping a beat she piped up with a very serious "Yeah! Cause Swiper swipes them all!"

Duane must have been paying attention to Dora as well because he chimed in (in song even!) afterward, "And there is no swiping on Christmas."

So, my 2 year old daughter thinks that every night a weasel visits her house and swipes all of her presents from Santa before she wakes up... except for on that one night a year he's not allowed to else he's put on the naughty list.



Good enough for me.

Aidy's First Big Girl Movie

Tuesday, Aidy and I went to her very FIRST movie theater movie!

The Princess and The Frog



What a cute movie.

Aidy was entranced by the whole experience, and I was thankful that Daddy watched Kindle at home so my baby girl and I could share it together.

Of course there was soda and popcorn and butterfingers - which she insisted on holding onto for nearly the entire show. What movie would be complete without them!? Here are a few pics I took to remember the day...

Ready for the movie? Thumbs up.


Ok Mommy... that's enough pictures...


Mommy and her great big popcorn lovin' girl!


It was one of those moments which don't come twice. I'm so proud of this kid.

It's Life

So. Long time no see blogging world!


Combining all the blogs I wanted to save to this one place over the last week gave me the opportunity to read a lot of them from over the last few years and notice that I haven't kept up with blogging about this pregnancy nearly as much as I did in the last two. Let's just say I've been a bit busy running after the two tiny divas that currently run this household.


I thought since I had a few rare moments of peace before bed, I would write a brief update on little Corbin and my (oh so definitely) last pregnancy, as well as a few other things going on in the Stevens' household.


On Friday I had an appointment with my midwife, Ruth, and discovered that Corbin is - yet again - measuring large for his gestational age. Big boys run in my family, and this continued increased growth rate scares the hell out of me. Aidynn was 8lbs 11oz, and Kindle was 7lbs 15oz, and they were right on track up to delivery.


Anyone know any prayers for delivering a less than 10 pound baby? They would be appreciated!


He is a strong little thing too. He's about 16" in length and a little over 3lbs but you'd never guess that low if you felt some of these kicks!


Friday I also got an answer to a big concern I have had over the last few months - the issue of why I can't breathe recently? I have asthma! I dealt with asthma when I was a kid, but by the time I left high school the issue seemingly resolved itself. I haven't used an inhaler for 15 years, nor have I been on medication or seen a doctor for it. Just one of the strange events that can happen during pregnancy. I just hope it goes away post-partum so I can start running again.


We are pretty much ready for his arrival! Crib is set up, clothes are bought, diapers and wipes, blankies, carseat, and his swing, everything I could think of I've been working on since September. The other day I realized that he needs a stroller, (we use a double pink jogging stroller for the girls) but hopefully we won't need it much and I will be able to wear him more now that I am a stay at home mom.


As for crafty notes, I got a new sewing machine! Yah! So far I have made Corbin a satin and flannel dinosaur blankie which his sisters keep trying to usurp, but I have a few big projects in store far beyond my tutu making. They just require a little more sewing skills than I currently possess. (PS I plan on posting a tutu-tutorial in the next few weeks on how I make my pretties and where to get the materials, embellishments, etc... so you can avoid all those boutique high prices and make your own!) I'm impatiently waiting on my quilting cutting mat and accessories to arrive (ordered them through Joann's 50% off online sale and saved about $50!) and in the meantime trying to plan ahead projects... even though I already have 5 waiting on me.


Needless to say, I've been exhausted. Moody. Pregnant. Far beyond either of my other pregnancies. Hubs deserves a lot of appreciation for his levels of tolerance for all of the above. He's pushed a few boundaries with me in the last few months, but overall, he's been understanding. I've gotten to the point where I realize that I annoy the hell out of myself right now. I'm cranky and whiny and I can' keep up with things. I forget everything. I push a lot of my responsibilities onto him to prevent any more discomfort than I have to endure. He runs most of the errands and helps with the housework, he's still making almost every meal, and yet he doesn't complain (much). Yeah... I guess he's not so bad.


Ohh yes, and then the girlies. They are fabulous.


Aidynn is love, LOVE, LOVING Christmas! She doesn't even know about the presents yet! Anything to do with Christmas, or the Christmas Tree, or Santa Claus though - she's hooked. Have I mentioned how incredibly smart she is? Scary smart I tell ya. Also recently she's been singing up a storm. She loves to sing!


Kindle is my beautiful ball of chaos. The number of bruises this kid gets from climbing things and the fearless wrestling matches she has with the cat that leave her with scratches concerns me. Climbing onto the dining chairs... to then climb onto the table... and stand on top of it is a favorite of the moment. Also a favorite is the game of "Let's take off with something Mommy is using and run away... then pretend like you're coming back to give it to her... and run away again laughing!" My devilish darling! But then... she is still my snuggle baby. Hugs and kisses all the time. She has also taken to singing. It's very cute.


Another current turn of events is the separation anxiety they both have had for DADDY!


Everything is Daddy. Especially with Kindle. First thing in the morning and last at night it's Daddy. Aidynn is forever Daddy's girl, she has been since the day she was born.


They have both stolen his heart. I can tell he loves them more than everything and he just thinks they are the most awesome kids. Of course, they are both so much like him! Example? He never taught them how to sing it, or even the words, but on our way to the grocery store the other day BOTH girls began singing...


"Nanananananananananananana.... BATMAN!"


Yeah... if you know my husband, you know he loves his Batman.


Ok, so that's a catch up (Geez and I thought I would have nothing to write!) a few things left out here and there, but I will try to be more active abotu writing this all down.


It's nice going from the last community of around 100 subscribers, back to just a few close friends and random readers. I dunno, makes it feel more personal.




Much love,
xoxo,

Who wants to be JUST a princess?

The other day Aidy and I were sitting in the dining room and talking about princesses. The conversation went something like this:

Mommy: Oh, you're a princess then?
Aidy: Yeah. ::smiles::
Mommy: Are you suuure??
Aidy: Yeah. ::Bigger smiles::
Mommy: Ok then.
Aidy: ::Maniacal Laughter:: NO! Fooled you Mom! Aidy's a DRAGON!! RAWR!!!
Mommy: ::laughs:: A Princess Dragon?
Aidy: Yeah, a Princess Dragon. RAWR! ::laughs::

My daughter. Such a ham.

::chuckles::

Prison Yard Rules

In the last two years, I have learned that the most pointless question that I find myself asking on a near-daily basis is this:

"Why did you do that???"

I think my 2 year old might be feral. It happened sometime around her last birthday. She somehow un-domesticated herself... or at least half of herself. Despite the number of times I tell her to not run on the couch, decorate everything with crayons/markers/paint/milk/food/etc..., or jump on top of her 1 year old sister with her knees, she simply stares at me communicating via eye signals, "I do not speak your language strange woman." I almost buy it too, until she wants something, because "Can I have some fruit snacks Mommy?" rings out of her mouth clear as a bell. As soon as the needs are fulfilled, consider the pleasantries over.

So last night, the children finished their bedtime routines and pleaded with me to stay up and watch the rest of Yo Gabba Gabba. Sucker that I am (they put on the doe eyed "Pweeeeaaaase Mommy, Pweeeaaaaase??" routine) I agreed to it.

Unknown to me was the fact that little Miss Feral was concealing a weapon she smuggled from the dinner table. As I was checking my email, all was quiet but for the sound of DJ Lance Rock...

but as all mothers know: Toddlers + Silence or Crashing Sounds = Imminent Disaster.


Seemingly as soon as the panic set in the screams began, I turned to see my convict in training brandishing her weapon in one hand and a pink butterfly blanket in the other while her little sister screamed and held her palm to the side of her temple.

Ladies and Gentlemen I give you exhibit ABC:

I can only presume that big sister didn't have enough cigarettes to trade to little sister for the blanket in question so shanking her in the head was the only available option to get what she wanted.

Obviously.

"You do NOT stab your sister in the head! It is NOT ok to stab anyone in the head. PERIOD."

Add that to the long list of things I never thought I would need to say to another human being.

Feral or not.


(Little sister is ok by the way. She has a small puncture wound on her forehead, and another sign of abrasion from the fork on her leg, but nothing permanent. )

Here there be PIRATES!

Today we had errands to run! After we woke from our naps, we headed out the door to lunch, then to the bank. Then we went to Target because Aidy got a brand new BIG GIRL BED and Mommy bought her a new bedset and new big girl pillows to match! It's so cute! She also gave us cookies while she was getting bedding for Corbin, so we got all messy. Then we went to the Halloween store and Daddy picked us out costumes! We were so tired of being in the car, but Mommy said "Just one more stop, and then we'll go home." and we were good.

We went to Babies R Us! We love looking at the toys there. Mommy wanted to buy Corbin some sleepers because they were on sale. The nice lady at Kiddie Kandids found us in the store and started talking to Mommy about not having any customers and was wondering if she could take our pictures! At first, Mommy said we were too dirty because of the cookies. Then she remembered the costumes Daddy just bought.

We had SO much fun! And we were SO good! Mommy was very proud and Daddy was in shock.

Mommy thinks we're the cutest pirates ever.

Mommy notes:

The girls had such a big day, and they were so well behaved. Now they are sleeping like babies. Aidynn must have said thank you a dozen times for her new bed and bedset. Today I saw some very happy girls. What a great day.

A Typical Day

Aidynn:

I was in the naughty chair nearly a dozen times today.

I bit Kinny.... twice.
I climbed the entertainment armoire.... three times.
I picked up the blinds and slammed them into the window.... three times.
I nearly got my mouth washed out with soap because I said the "f" word.... four times.

I threw all of my corn and potatoes across the room at dinner and refused to pick it up - instead I smooshed it all into the carpet. I ran back and forth across the couch all day and pushed Kinny off on her head three times (on purpose). I moved a chair to climb up on the counter and I dug all the dirt out of Mommy's new plant and I threw it all over the dining room - then I painted Kinny's ride-on Lion with it. I refused to let Mommy wash my hair at bath time and I screamed in her ear and kicked her and told her no. I stole Kinny's new barbie doll from her and chewed off her hands (to match my new barbie doll that I chewed the hands off of the other day.)

Mommy left to run errands for an hour and wouldn't let me go with her, but when she got back Daddy was freaking out!

At bed time, Mommy's eye was twitching when she gave me kisses and tucked me in.

I'm sleeping now, so I will get all my rest. I've got a big day of doing it all over again tomorrow.

Mommy Notes:

On Friday to celebrate finding out the gender of the baby, Duane and I took the girls to lunch at BJ's. (A brewery/pizza kind of place) Toward the end of the meal, a man approached Duane and I and told us that our children were adorable; so well behaved and that we were great parents for taking them out into public and teaching them to behave properly.

I think that was the nicest thing anyone has ever said to me. Bless his heart.

I LOVE SHOES!

Aidynn:

We went shopping the other day for new clothes for me and Kinny. Mommy let me pick any shoes I wanted! I was so excited. I picked a pretty pink pair of pink converse high tops. I love them so much, I begged Mommy to let me wear them home.

Before we left Daddy let me play with the other kids at the mall. Mommy tried to take pictures of me, but they all came out blurry 'cause in my new shoes I am WAY too fast!

My First Hairs Cut

Aidynn:

Last Saturday I got my first hair cut! Mommy took me to see the "nice" lady because she just couldn't stand to see my hair in my face anymore as it was growing out. I refused to put on the smock. I kicked, I screamed, I DID NOT WANT THE SMOCK.

When Mommy finally got the clue, she didn't make me wear it. She then pulled out some candy and we played games and counted stars on my shoes and talked about what animals were on the evil smock. (I'm good at naming all of my animals. ^_^)

Now I have a cute little bob and bangs again! My hair is much more even and doesn't look so much like a baby mullet. They cut off about 2 and a half inches! Mommy saved the lock of hair for my scrapbook too.

She also took pictures of my new hair and this blog was going to be written when she got around to uploading them to the computer, but she forgot to save them to the hard drive before she moved them.

So ya'll will just have to wait to see how cute I am with my new do. ^_~

From the Mouths of Babes

Aidy: Mommy, my tummy feels funny.

Mommy: Your tummy feels funny? Why is that?

Aidy: No, Mommy's tummy is funny.

Mommy: ((laughs)) Ahh, Mommy's tummy is funny. You know why Mommy's tummy is funny?

Aidy: The BAYBEE IN THERE! ((giggles))

Oh.... just wait til she finds out what that really means!

My Castle Now

Momma Notes:

There are 2 sick little girls in this house right now. Runny noses, fevers, coughs, and oh yes, the crankiness.

Yesterday, I was attempting to console Kindle who was in another of her "I don't feel good, and nothing will appease me mode." She wanted to be held, but didn't; wanted to be rocked, but didn't. After reaching my maximum tolerance I set her down and told her, "Walk away Kinny. You need to go find something else to do and leave me alone."

As she began walking away, Aidynn walked up to her and said sternly:

"Yah! Go away Kinny. This is MY castle now!"

Where the heck did she learn THAT!?

Aidynn's Room

I don't like my room. I like Mommy and Daddy's room better.

From day 1 when we moved into our new home, I began moving my toys into my parent's room. Even though they said, "Your toys don't belong in here Aidynn. Take them back to your room." I listened... but then I started moving them back into their room again later.

I also have always liked my own space, but I would rather sneak into bed with Mommy every night than stay in my own bed. It gets crowded sometimes when Kinny is in the bed too, but I make room.

I don't like the gate up on my door, and I don't like the dark. I don't like being upstairs all alone. I get scared. Then I get upset, and I can't use my words. Mommy gets frustrated with me, and wonders why I don't' like my room so much. She even bought me a new super soft blankie for comfort.

Oh yes, and Mommy is wondering why all of the sudden I always call her "Mommy" and not "Mom" like before. She is also a bit confused by all of the cuddling and hugs and kisses I have been giving her lately. She thinks that maybe it's because of all the time we are spending together now that she stays home with me all day. That's a bittersweet thought for her.

So, my room is ok to play in for a little while as long as Mommy or Daddy are upstairs with me. But I don't like it at all when I am by myself or just with Kinny. I'll keep climbing over the baby gate to get out if I have to. If I am anything, I am determined.

Mommy Notes: As I type this, Aidynn is sleeping in my bed. She fell asleep calm and quiet as could be with no fights at all - in my bed. We read the last few stories in our Curious George book and I told her it was time to go to her bed and she said, "Nooo Mommy." and covered herself with my comforter and laid on my pillow.

::sigh::

I pick my battles. She has been so upset in her room, and although I know there is nothing to be afraid of, I do remember what it was like to be a child afraid of the dark and being alone. With Kinny still waking for nighttime nursings, and Aidy sneaking into bed with me, not to mention the ever growing belly... I have a feeling my queen size bed is going to be pretty crowded for a while. I'll just keep reminding myself: They won't always be this small, and someday I will miss them crawling into bed to cuddle with me.

Beware the Ninja

Today Daddy, Mommy, Kinny, and I (Aidy) went to Chili's for lunch.

Mommy ordered a side of pickles to go with her cheeseburger, and when she wasn't looking I swiped them one at a time. When I got to the last pickle she caught me, smiled, and said "Heeeey! Ninja!"

My simple response was a Cheshire grin and a "Mmmm! Pickle Ninja!"

The (Baby Blanket) Black Market

So. I feel like a craptastic Mommy tonight. I lied to my daughter the night before her birthday. ::hangs head in shame::

Aidy has this pink lovie-blanket that I purchased for her before she was born. It is so soft, with minky on one side and satin on the other; pink with quilted dots on it. Each time I pick it up from wherever she has left it, I can't put it on her bed without rubbing it against my cheek and pressing it into my nose. It smells like my baby girl. She adores this blanket and it goes everywhere with her. She asks for it every night. Tonight I tried to pacify her by telling her that it was "stinky stinky" ::holding nose:: and "in the wash" but she would get it back tomorrow. Then I sent D out to find a new one FAST, unfortunately he was unsuccessful....

..... the truth is.... that it's gone.

It was a bit chilly yesterday morning when D and I went for our run, so I grabbed the girls their blankies and we headed out. It must have fallen out of the jogging stroller without us noticing because search high and low and in and out and upside down - it cannot be found.

The worse news: It has been discontinued and it's no longer in stores.

::sigh::

I've been forced to turn to the Baby Blankie Black Market.

There are websites devoted to collecting and selling random toys just in case my disaster should occur. On the whole world wide web I have found 2 sellers that have my daughters most beloved possession.... for the low low price of only 5 TIMES what I paid for it originally (plus shipping). Am I going to pay their outrageous prices to replace it? You'd better believe I am.

I would like to say, "Maybe she is getting old enough to let go of lovies" or "I can't support these people taking advantage of my situation like this!" but I can't do it. I can't look into those big green eyes and tell her that her "Bankie" is gone for good. The one she snuggled with every night... the one that she took to daycare when I worked... the source of comfort at night when Daddy was gone serving his country.... I can't do it. I'll recover from the sentimental loss, but I don't think her little heart could take it.

Did you have a "Lovie" when you were young?
Whatever became of it?
What do you think about the "Black Market" for beloved baby lovies?

Here it is. Have YOU seen this 'Bankie'?

8 Months Update

Tomorrow, Kindle will be 8 months old.

I feel kind of guilty about not having kept as thorough a record of her infancy as I did with Aidynn's, but giving some credit to myself - it hasn't been the easiest to sit down to write with a lot of time for myself to write.

Kindle is SUCH a beautiful girl. Everywhere we go, people just can't stop raving over how precious she is. Her big blue eyes and her fair complexion are going to make life hard on her Daddy and I as she grows into a woman.

She is already crawling EVERYWHERE! I turned to check on her yesterday when she was in the living room, and she was gone! After a mild panic attack and running about the house, I found that she had crawled to Aidy's room. She was sitting in the middle of the room just laughing and playing with toys.

Amazing.

Even at 8 months old she is sitting up on her own, scooting, crawling, and even eating "real" foods! She hasn't broken her first teeth yet, but she loves to teethe on biscuits and whatever Mommy is eating, but she really dislikes the taste of "baby" food.

She is still breastfed on demand, and VERY much a Mommies girl. She has to have Mommie all the time.... but she is becoming a bit more independent and likes to do her own exploring... as long as I am within eyesight.

Aidy is a toddler tornado. Into everything and doesn't take no for an answer. So much of her parents shines through her.

She adores animals - so much like I did when I was a toddler. We took her to the zoo and aquarium in SF last week and she had a BLAST. I was so happy to be able to do that for her. I was a big disappointed that the zoo no longer has it's elephants - as that seems to be her favorite animal at the moment. And the Gorilla exhibit was closed due to a new gorilla being born. Bummer.

Next time we are taking her to the Oakland zoo. The Sac zoo has it's members opening for their new carousel on the 19 and we are taking her to that. Hopefully by the end of the month we will take her to Marine World. She loved the aquarium so much that I really think she will get a kick out of the sea animals.

We bought her a hamster last week, which she kept calling rat. We kept correcting her, "Honey, it's not a rat. It's a HAMSTER." Then we kept asking her what she wanted to name her new hamster. When she finally got past telling us she wanted to name him "Rat", she piped up with "Mike". Duane and I were a bit confused as to where she got it - we figured it was from Monsters Inc or something, but were glad to let her name him Mike. (Much better than Rat.)

It was only yesterday when I rented the movie Despereaux for her and she started yelling at the television screen, "MIKE MIKE!" that I realized "Mike" was "MICE".

::smacks forehead::

That's my girl.

NI HAO!

As limited as her television experience is, my 22 month old daughter, Aidy, knows what "Calliou", "Blue's Clues", and "Dora" are. I have gradually learned to be "ok" with these shows. They each have their merits and are somewhat educational in moderation.

There is one program that I encourage her to watch, and even will watch with her:

"Ni Hao, Kai-Lan"

I love this cartoon. It helps teach children emotional intelligence and empathy for others; something I feel is very lacking in current society. It is great for toddlers as it helps associate words with feelings. Plus Kai-Lan is SUPER CUTE. And the voices are mostly done by KIDS!

I don't mind the theme song stuck in my head as often as it is, and Aidy loves it when I just randomnly start singing it. I really think this show is the best show on TV for kiddos.

Example: At the zoo a few weeks ago, Aidynn and I were standing in front of the Giant Anteater exhibit when a little boy a bit older than she is walked up to the glass and stood with us. My Aidy (having no concept of personal boundaries and space) turned to him, eyes wide, and said "Ni Hao!", and gave him a huge bear hug! He was surprised at first, but then hugged her in return. It truly was a sweet sight. As he walked away he smiled and waved, and she yelled out, "Xie Xie" (Thank you) in Mandarin Chinese. From the look on his face, he clearly had NO idea what she was saying to him. Unsurprisingly... as he was Japanese-American, but I think you get the picture.

In case you are interested for your little ones, the show was added to the Nick Jr line up in February of 2009. If you have Comcast, it is available free on In Demand.

^_^

From the mouths of babes...

My baby girl Aidynn is 21 months old now can you believe it? It seems like just yesterday I found out how blessed I was to be her Mommy. She amazes me every day by just being her beautiful self. She's beginning to look a lot like her Auntie Leia too!

Aidynn seems to think that right now she has 2 purposes in life - coloring (or pretty much anything that has to do with colors and paper, she is quite the artist!) and making her parents laugh.

As healthy toddlers tend do, she was running amuck yesterday while I sat on the sofa with Kindle. Running from the kitchen to her room, to the living room....

... to her room, and back again before finally jumping on the loveseat and running back and forth across the cushions.

"Aidynn Grace, you need to sit down."

Aidynn grinned.

"Aidy, I mean it. Now. SIT on your behind please."

*High pitched cackle and a mischievous look*

"Little girl.... I'm going to count to three and then you're going to be in BIG trouble! Ooooone...."

Without missing a beat, Aidynn jumps in with:

"Twwwwo... THREE! *squeals of laughter*"

Her Daddy and I couldn't help but laugh..... It was the first time she counted by herself too! How could we not smile at that?

Halloween

Someday, this will all be over.

No more chasing after witches....





Or calming down fussy kittens...



Keeping costumes together...





or transporting munchkins.....





No more sugar overloads....



Or teaching how to share....





BUT...

Sleepy faces....



And brushing teefers....



Make me so happy....



That someday, is not TODAY.

^_~

Inner Peace

"The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it" ~ Richard Bach

This picture was taken this morning with my cell phone. After breakfast my daughter was playing contently by herself in her cousin's room while I checked my email. When things got quiet - a little TOO quiet, I am sure you parents can understand - I got up to check on her and found her just like this.

These are some of the most precious moments in my life. The overwhelming feeling of happiness when I can look at my daughter and see that she is happy and has peace in her heart. In moments like this I find myself just staring at her....

I have so much in my life to be grateful for. I really believe that true happiness is not fleeting. It comes from appreciating what you have in your life - and I don't mean cars, money, or designer clothes. I mean love, compassion, understanding, and inner peace. If you can find that peace each day, and appreciate it for what it is - there is your happiness.

Gratitude is a choice.

Happiness is a choice.

Inner peace is a choice.

They are all connected.

I will be giving birth to my second daughter any day now. My husband is in the Army and cannot be with us for the delivery. I am very sad about this, but I know that all of his love is with us and that he would do anything to be by my side.

I am grateful to have a man who loves me so much that he would do anything for me.

I am happy to be welcoming our second child - that I was told I would never have - into our arms and our lives.

I know that her parents love her completely and will always be there for her when she truly needs them.

I have friends that are really coming through to show me that they love me and are there when I need them.

This is how I have inner peace with my husband not being with us. Instead of focusing on what we DON'T have - I can see all that we DO.

How could the two even begin to compare?

Watch the Squirrel...

As some of you know, my daughter Aidynn is a very clever girl.

Yesterday she brought me one of her little stuffies - a squirrel. This squirrel has a twin. I don't know how I acquired them, but she loves them.

Me: What's that Aidynn? A Squirrel?? Where's the other Squirrel?
Aidynn: Watch. Watch.
Me: Watch? Watch what?
Aidynn: Watch.
Me: *blank stare*
Aidynn: *blank stare*

Obviously there is a bit of a language barrier here.... aside from the fact that she had never said the word "watch" before. I had no idea what she was talking about.

Just a few moments ago I decided to take a break from packing after I finished sorting and hanging the last bag of laundry. (Yes, I send my clothes out to be laundered - shhh.) At the bottom of the bag, I find this....

Thinking to myself... "How in the heck did the squirrel get into the wash... ???"

"!!!"

NOT WATCH - WASH!!


Apparently my daughter decided that the squirrel needed a wash and sent him to the cleaners.

I know my kid is intelligent, especially for a 13 month old, but sometimes... I am a bit intimidated by how much I underestimate her.