STOP!

Kaley has recently become very aware of traffic laws. I jokingly call her Officer Kaley, but it's barely a joke. Any time she sees a red light, she screams, "RED LIGHT!!" and expects me to stop immediately. Not at the intersection, but as soon as the red light is in view.

Today we were out running errands, and I came to an intersection at which I needed to make a right turn... on a red light. I stopped first, looked carefully, even waited longer than usual, but as soon as the car started moving she began to scream.

"Mommy, the light is red! Stop! Stop!"

I began explaining that making a right turn on red is perfectly acceptable as long as the car comes to a complete stop first and no one else has the right of way.

She replied, "Mommy, I have my mad eyebrows on now."

Rewards

Kaley is potty training, and she's starting to do pretty well. As incentive, I give her a jelly bean every time she makes a successful deposit.

Today, Mémère came over to visit, and Kaley couldn't wait to tell her about her training success. She said, "Mem, every time I go pee pee on the potty I get a jelly bean stuck in my teeth."

Birthday Cake

Keira: "Mommy, why didn't we have cake on your birthday?"

Me: "I'm not much of a cake person. I prefer pie."

Keira: "I like cake OK, it's just that it doesn't taste the same as tacos."

Knock Knock

Keira: "Knock knock."

Kaley: "Sorry, I'm not home."

Overheard During Play-Doh Time

Keira: "Mom, look what I made."

Me: "Just a second."

Keira: "Well, can you look at it while you do that?"

Me: "No, just give me a second to finish this."

Keira: "But you can use the eyes in the back of your head."

Overheard During Diaper Change

Me: "My goodness!"

Kaley: "Mine, too."

Playing School

Keira is gearing up for school. Every chance she gets, she teaches Kaley something new.

This afternoon she decided to teach Kaley about weather. On her magnetic "doodle pad," she drew a sun, some rain, some snow, and a cloud. As she pointed to each item, she named and described it in a kind but authoritative manner, pausing briefly each time Kaley interrupted her. Demonstrating great patience, she repeatedly reminded Kaley to silently hold up her hand and wait to be called upon. Finally, Kaley complied, silently holding up her hand and waiting.

Keira: "Yes, Kaley?"

(silence)

Keira: "Go ahead, Kaley."

(silence)

Keira: "Kaley, tell me your question."

Kaley: "I'm question."