Out of the mouths.

Madeline is getting quite independent, as always, and the latest manifestation of this is wanting to say her own prayers. This is how her last prayer went for lunch:

"Heavenly Father. Bless this day. And the pumpkins and the ghosts. And then a nap. When it is dark. It's not dark yet. Light outside. And at work. Bless Daddy at work...(with prompting) bless the food. And Jayden's party. Name of Christ. Amen."

I'm pretty sure we'll keep this girl. Because when she's not making me cry,I'm laughing hysterically. Although the other day I asked her to pick up her toys repeatedly. Finally I said, "It would make mommy so happy if you picked up your toys." She turned her back on me and ran away. Then she looked back, smirked, and said, "Mommy sad." Little punk. In other news, if we watch Cinderella one more time this week, the DVD might accidentally get lost. Because I can only sleep through it about 100 times before I need a change of pace.

Thinking about babies and baby brothers who aren't babies.

Not much has changed around here lately, because I've officially entered waiting mode. Pretty much nothing can hold my attention for long except wondering when this little girl will decide to make an appearance. I've made up my mind it won't be for three weeks until her actual due date to try and avoid disappointment, but that's hard to remember when everyone keeps telling me it could be anytime. Drat all the well-wishing and kind people I run around with. We had another doctor's appointment and things are progressing well. I'm dilated to a 2, which basically means she could hang out there for another month or make a surprise appearance tomorrow (just because it's my brother's farewell and I told Jessie I cannot go into labor this weekend because I'm too busy.) You know that you, the blogging world and my facebook acquaintances, will be at least in the top 50 people I tell, so be sure to wait eagerly for any unexpected updates. But don't wait too eagerly or you'll throw off my calm, collected, patient waiting.

In the meantime, we're keeping busy so that I have as little time as possible to brood. Madeline and I have been doing a lot of shopping and thinking about getting ready for Halloween. (We don't actually do anything because we object to productivity around here.) Although the other day, thanks to some on the ball neighbors, I actually did a Halloween craft. Me. An honest to goodness craft. And it doesn't look like a first grader did it. I may have to post pictures. Until then, I don't blame you for being skeptical. And this weekend will be busy, as I mentioned, because my little brother is giving his last talk in church before his mission. Formerly known as a farewell. I can't believe the little squirt is actually old enough to go, but he assures me it's true, and since he has to shave every day, I'm starting to believe him. I better go warn the people of Chile so they'll know what they're getting into.

More Madeline.

So I know you have all been waiting with baited breath to hear more about our favorite resident toddler maniac. Because she almost never makes an appearance on this blog. Madeline has been undergoing some changes, and I'm not sure if they're natural toddler phases or a response to the big change coming up, but we're just trying not to get thrown for a loop every time she decides to mix things up. Currently, she's on a hair strike. Which means if I try and get near her head with a brush or comb, she screams bloody murder and runs away and hides. So we're doing a lot of headbands, because they're the only thing she'll let me put in. We're also on a nap strike. After a phase where she was waking up at 5 every morning for almost a week, we started putting her to bed earlier in hopes that she would cease and desist. It worked like a charm and she started sleeping in until seven. And promptly gave up napping. And I cried. But given the choice between getting up at five or giving up my nap in favor of an extra hour of peace and quiet in the evening, I am reluctantly giving up on napping.

Madeline has also been acting out more and more as she's realized the advantage she has over me in energy and tenacity. Somewhere along the line she realized that I can't physically make her do what I want because I am too fat and slow and tired. So certain activities have become a battle, and putting her on timeout has become almost impossible because she just refuses to stay there. The other day I tried and she slapped me in the face. We also experienced our first full-fledged store tantrum today. We've had minor tantrums before, but never on the floor, kicking and screaming fits. Those have generally been reserved for home viewing. But today, I was that mother trying desperately to ignore the looks as my daughter collapsed in the front of the grocery store and screamed and kicked and generally made a scene. And I promptly vowed to never judge anyone with unruly children again. If your child is a well-behaved angel in stores, at home, and in general, please refrain from giving me looks when mine is in full revolt. You have no idea how easily it could be you.

Anyway. That's the scoop on our little fireball. The maddening thing is that she's still as adorable as ever, and entirely too good at making me forget how terrible her tantrums can be. And her sweet moments are just as intense and more unforgettable than the bad ones. So crazy me, I'm looking forward to what I'm sure will be another little fireball with great anticipation. A true glutton for punishment.