Where did "3" go?

Josie Update:

1... 2... FOUR! Jo is counting everything. And no number 3. Ever. And even if it's blatantly obvious that there are, like, 99 of something... it's still 1, 2, 4!

And everything is "Watch THIS!" Then she runs down the entire length of the sidewalk in the morning going "whoooooaooaooaooaooaooaoo" the whole way. Or sticks her tongue out. Or gives a little kick. Or sticks her finger in the hole in the middle of an alphabet magnet. Or closes her eyes, but leaves them open just a tiny bit so she thinks she's being tricky and fooling us into thinking that she's sleeping, but watching us the whole time.

And if you say her name in an inquiring manner, she responds with "WHAT?" in a somewhat irritated tone.

And if you groan or complain or make an exclamation - she's dying to know "what, Daddy?"

And she is oh, so sensitive to everyone's emotions. Quick to give a hug or kiss if someone needs one, and quick with the tears if she's scolded. Or not allowed to have fruit snacks right before dinner.

And her imagination is taking off in full form. If you haven't been witness to the "wolf" story - let me highlight it here: We went to the Minnesota Zoo a few weeks ago. After that - she started to spin this yarn about the wolves we saw. If you asked her what she saw at the zoo, she's say "wolf." Then she started to hold up her finger and say "Wolf BITE me!" (Which it most certainly did NOT.) Then it progressed into this tale about how she'd given the wolf a time out, and told it "Bad Wolf!" and "Go away, Wolf!" and "naughty Wolf, no bite!" And I think last weekend she was even telling the same story, but it was Emily at daycare who bit her on the finger, not the wolf. (Which also did not happen.)

And we find her babies napping all over the house, and are told repeatedly to "shhhh, Baby sleeping!" if we talk too loudly.

And if she doesn't really care to do something, we are told that that something is gone. Josie - do you need to go potty? No - potty gone. Josie - let's brush your teeth. No- toothbrush all gone.

And her bedtime rituals continue to expand. Hugs and kisses to those not venturing to her room with her. SHE has to close the door to her room. Pick out books. Perhaps play with dolls for a bit. Read "a couple" of books. (Which in reality is probably between 8 and 10.) And she may have to then "read" them. Perhaps a potty break. And more books. And then maybe a drink of water. Finish off a couple of books - then it's time for lights out and songs. And you prepare to say goodnight, and she asks in a sweet little voice, "more songs?" To which of course you have to oblige. The whole ritual can take - well, longer than happy to admit. But I figure that this won't go on forever, so we're going to enjoy it while it does.

Eve Update:

She's so close to walking. She'll turn away from whatever she's standing holding onto, and will almost take that step, but drops to her bottom instead. And she likes to "stand" on her head. Just hangs out. Head on the floor, butt in the air, looking around. Goofball.

She busted through a couple more big teeth - uppers, molars, I guess.

She's beside herself with excitement in the morning. Such a morning girl - she cracks us up, which helps in the morning when we're not quite as excited about being up. It's like she's been separated from us for SO long... and just can't stand it.

She loves to pull Josie's hair. She still doesn't have much of her own, so I suppose it's fascinating to her. And she follows Jo wherever she goes. And tries to do whatever she does. Which is awesome to watch. I'm sure Jo will tire of it soon - but for now I'm going to soak it up.

She's still terrified of strangers. Just don't look directly at her, and it will be fine. Or make a move in her direction. Or say anything to her. Or touch her. :)

I think I mentioned that she's saying "uh oh." And I swear she says "this." And of course, "da da" and "ma ma." They were both pretending to talk on the phone the other day at the same time. We're in so much trouble. :)

Man. I love those kids. *sigh*