First tantrums, golf, and saying "thank you"...

It's not my favorite milestone. But, we're all human, right? Little Lady pitched her first full-blown tantrum yesterday. I THINK she was mad at me for not nursing her for the 2nd time in 30 minutes? Maybe it was something else? She didn't want to be held. Instead, she dove for the floor and wailed there, kicking her legs and refusing to look at me. I had to try hard not to laugh. In part, it was funny; but it was also so revealing about her personality. Jackson wants to be held when he's angry. He wants to talk about it and find some sort of reconciliation (even if it's unreasonable). He wants you to know he's mad, and he wants you to know why he's mad. He might look a lot like Andrew, but he's so like me in that respect. Evie? My mini-me, but Just. Like. Her. Daddy. They want to be left alone when they are mad (seldom happens, but watch out when it does). They'll let you know when they are finished (find something to do because it may be a while), but they probably won't want to talk about it even then. Funny how kids make you see your flaws in such real (and sometimes, dramatically unfortunate) ways. 

Jackson and I start preschool at home next week. We're both super excited! :) In addition to his love for cars, monster trucks, and trains, he has also decided to take a huge interest in golf. I know NOTHING about golf...except that the commentators make for good background noise during a Sunday afternoon nap (not that I get to take those anymore - I'm remembering this from my childhood, of course). We've played putt-putt twice now, and he approaches each hole with a strategy. Thanks to Daddy, he now owns a putter, a driver, and an iron. Apparently, an iron is also a chipper? Jackson told me that. We also have golf balls (and other things not originally designed for that purpose) all over the house in "holes." Andrew told him once when to use which club. Now, he spouts off distances to the hole and selects (usually appropriately, I think) the right club to use. I'm blown away by this obsession and his ability to stay interested in it. Golf is expensive, right? You can start donating funds immediately! Are there such things as "golf moms"? :)

I'm loving Evie's new-found love for reading. She prefers books with animals in them, making this adorable giggle for her favorites: dogs, giraffes, elephants, and bears. The best part? She MUST sit in a lap to read. When she toddles over (because she never crawls anymore...) with a book in hand, be prepared to place her in your lap before reading. Otherwise, she shakes her head letting you know that reading a book to her while she's in front of you, beside you, or just near you is unacceptable. I love it. Takes after her brother like that. Keep bringing me those books, Little Loves. 

People often say that your second-born children talk less. That has proven to be completely inaccurate around here. Evie can be and is just as vocal as her brother. She talks all day long, engages in lengthy "conversations" with us, and appropriately uses non-verbals (pointing, head shakes, etc.). My favorite of late? Just last week she said "thank you" for the first time. It sounds a lot like "taaaaan-ooo," which is fabulous. She says it most when I give her food. Girl after my own heart. :) 

Feeling grateful around here...tantrums and all!