Missin' my baby

You know how children can, within a few weeks, become a completely different person? How they will all of a sudden grow in leaps and bounds, both physically and developmentally and you are left wondering who this new little person is living in your house? As I was eating dinner tonight with the fam. I looked across the table at Ali, and couldn't help but wonder, where in the world did my baby go? Sitting before me was a very opinionated, self-reliant toddler who was half-naked and wearing three bows in her hair because that's what she insisted looked good. It got me to thinking about how much Ali has changed. In the last couple of weeks she has

• Moved to the table. She will have NOTHING to do with her highchair anymore. Although she can barely see over the main table, that's where she now eats every meal.
• Decided she likes Emma's bed more than her crib. We are now in the process of building bunk beds so we can move her out of her much detested crib.
• Started speaking. She is starting to say new words every day. Today's word? "Pop-Pop" aka popcorn.
• Started answering questions-whether it be, "where's your nose", "what does a cat say" or "Do you want milk or juice?" She still uses gestures more than words, but she is definitely understanding and answering us.
• Using the potty. Lately she has been a bit obsessed with the potty. I think it comes from wanting to be like big sister. We all know when she wants to go because she will run for the bathroom while pulling on her clothes. Most of the time we strip her and sit her on the pot and she just sits there grunting and groaning for a few minutes before declaring "ahh done". There have been several times though that she has actually done her business in the pot, if ya know what I mean ;). Although I don't plan on switching her to undies for quite some time yet I'm going to keep encouraging her interest.

I love watching my kids grow and accomplish new things, as hard as it is to admit they are indeed growing and inching closer to when they won't need me anymore (I know, I know they are ONLY 3 and 1, I've got some time ;)). I love watching the confidence it gives them as they conquer new skills. So, although I am definitely missing my baby I am LOVIN' my big girl and rejoicing in the sassy, independent, fun-loving person she is becoming.