Precious Moments

It was a tough day for a toddler trying to assert her independence.

The target: the babysitter.
The objective: make sure not to obey no matter the consequences.
The war front: a toy that needed to be picked up

Mark received a phone call this afternoon from a befuddled babysitter. She explained that Katelee had been in "time out" for about 30 minutes now, but she would still not "give in." The babysitter had asked her to pick up a toy, but Katelee defiantly said "no." Thus, she earned a time out until she could pick up the toy. A logical kid would have picked up the toy. Katelee, on the other hand, decided to make her stand. Thus, she just cried (without tears) for 30 minutes. Unsure of how to counter this effective maneuver, the babysitter finally called a life line. Of course, Katelee sensed reinforcements and a change in strategy was coming, so she promptly became quiet at that point.

This scenario actually played out (but not quite to the same extent) three times with the babysitter. Then, it occurred again when dad got home.

Sensing it was a tough day for the tiny toddler, Mark put her to bed a bit early. Then, he climbed into bed with her and rubbed her back and sang her some songs. After about 20 minutes, Katelee rolled over, threw her arm over Mark's neck, and said "I love you so much."

Feeling that special father-daughter bond, Mark replied, "I love you so much too."

Katelee's responded: "Whew, you have some stinky breath." "And your teeth are yellow." (never mind that it is dark and she can't see my teeth)

Oh well, maybe I'll have better luck with my other daughter. So, Mark headed to Olivia's room to tuck her in and sing her a song. Just sing me a lullaby she requested. After a rendition of "Baby Mine," Olivia offered: "not bad for getting it wrong."

Good night girls.