The signs are everywhere… it’s only a matter of time. The little princess is getting ready for her reign as queen. Mylie has been growing, and doing it fast! Her phsycial, emotional and communication development has been skyrocketing lately, and it is so much fun! I have to say, despite the tantrums, screams, annoying childrens music, and the constant cry of “Mom, hey, look!”, I really love toddlerhood. I love knowing what’s in her head, and catching a glimpse of who she’s becoming. I love watching her compassion for others, and her growing ability to negotiate. And mostly, I just love the funny things she says and does every day.

The other day she grabbed some shoes (that we were borrowing) and headed out of the house, saying “Bye, love you, see you soon! Merry Christmas, Happy New Year!” Goodbyes at our house are starting to get to be a long drawn-out process.

Then, this past weekend, her very best friend in the world, Madilyn came to stay. Madilyn is about 14 months older than Mylie, and Mylie pretty much thinks the sun rises and sets on Madilyn’s words. Unfortunately, this picture from the primate cages at the zoo is the only one we got from the experience (can you which are the primates?), but the two of them together are SO FUNNY! The girls spent the entire weekend dressed up in princess clothes, complete with heels and shoes and wands, and generally being very grown up. They didn’t really even fight at all. And they did funny things like, when Mylie decided she wanted the Valentine’s chocolate that was on the mantle, so she told Madilyn. Madilyn couldn’t reach it, so (being old and wise) she dragged a chair over and got it down. Then she took it to Nick, asking if they could have some. Mylie stood behind her the whole time with this goofy look on her face, and you could just tell she was thinking “You ask them Madilyn… you’re the guest… they can’t say no or get mad at you!” They kept setting each other up and helping each other out like that all weekend.

Then there were the funny comments. Like, when we were at the zoo looking at the elephants, Madilyn (out of nowhere) said, “Yeah, elephants really aren’t that ridiculous.” And after we came out of the bat cave, Mylie said “It’s sooo beautiful!” I thought this comment was in response to the bat cave, which cracked me up, until I realized later that she was probably copying all the people she’d heard at the zoo that day, commenting on the absolutely gorgeous weather.

Every day brings a new adventure with my funny girl (and her friends) and keeps me going even through this dreary Northwest winter. Just don’t grow up too fast little one!