His or Hers

Lately we have been constantly amazed by all the things Olivia is saying and doing. This has led to some typical two-year-old power struggles and discipline, but also makes us laugh constantly. Two specific things come to mind when I think about these 'growing up' moments.

First, we have officially started our 'Not Nice Words' list. I'm sure every mom has this list in some form or another, but I thought the first word was noteworthy. I was a little surprised, because the word we have had to ban from our house first is never. Not any of the typical toddler insults, but certainly a poisonous word when screamed over and over in a hateful voice. This usually occurs when we say it's time to go to the bathroom during a fun activity, or when we stop her from pouring out her drink during a meal, or when we say she can't have a treat. It was a little embarrassing in the lobby of the Pediatrician on Thursday, but the first public tantrum is a milestone like any other, so I wasn't too rattled by it. I honestly can't figure out where she learned this as something to shout, as I haven't used never as a threat or anything, and neither has Alex. I'm guessing it was in a show or movie, but no one is claiming this one.

The second new development I'm definitely taking credit for. This last month I have noticed that O often knows where we're going before we get there. I've just assumed that she is paying attention when we talk about it beforehand, so I didn't really notice. However, two weeks ago she started asking for pizza every time we passed Little Caesars, and it hasn't stopped there. On Wednesday she started calling for the library when we were about 3 turns from getting there, even though it wasn't where we were going, and she asked to go to the pet store when we were on the other side of the complex. These last two incidences were before she could see the place she was asking for, so I know it was just her paying attention to our common stops and how we get there. This proves that she DOES NOT have her dad's HORRIBLE sense of direction, which I am very grateful for. At this rate she will be telling him how to get to her favorite places before she's 3 :).