I can't say that I think I've held sway with my daughter in the past. Whatever I may have thought, it is now crystal clear Annabella is keeping her own counsel. Each day she is walking better, running faster, thinking more.

More and more I find myself of two minds about everything. While I'm thrilled that my daughter is spontaneously and accurately using the word "DOWN!", I am repeatedly frustrated that this language development accompanies Bella throwing all food within reach, her sippee cup, her bottle, or her toys on the floor. I want to say, "Yeah Bella, good job! You're right, it's down!" I have to say, "We don't throw food down. We don't put our lunch on the floor. No! that doesn't belong on the floor."

Yeah Bella!