The Antics of Mia

Mia is a busy girl.  She starts her day out sweetly and it quickly picks up speed.

 

I honestly don't think she's naughty ALL of the time.  Sometimes she purposes to be helpful.  A "helpful" 16 month old, though, well...they aren't exactly helpful.  I fold laundry and turn around and there she stands with a shirt I just folded.  It's unfolded by now but she's bringing it to me because she saw me just complete this task and wants to help.  I put away a pot and turn around and there she stands with the pot, holding it up, most expectant and pleased look on her face. 

Heaven forbid anyone leave the dishwasher open when it's dirty because that girl has a penchant for emptying the dishwasher! 

She likes to help flush the potty and put away groceries and get out school supplies for the big kids.  

So, you see, sometimes she just wants to be quite helpful to us and it's exhausting.

I call her my servant-hearted girl, because I truly see that in her.  Now to just mold it a bit...

All those praises sang, she *can* also be quite scampish.  She likes to PLAY in the potty, take things from the trash, empty art boxes, and more.  It seems that sometimes she starts with a good deed and then it escalates into a naughty venture!  She wants to play with every toy that someone else tries to be quite convincing.  She has wrapped her Natalee around her little finger...Xavier is not so easily swayed, though, and tends to get the wrath of Mia because he stands firmer!

Thankfully she loves books, she takes good naps, and she can be quite obedient (after much diligent training).

She's very independent.  The most independent child we've had.

If we try to feed her she often will just simply shake her head "no" and not eat.

Yesterday she did this...(this was the 2nd time - it took me awhile to realize what she'd done after the first time).

She's a dear sweet little mama, often changing, feeding and kissing her babies.  Kira, her lovey doll, never gets diapered...I tried once and was scolded.  She is a companion, not a toy.  Mia chooses this chubby dolly out of the bucket and pushes her around in a stroller, gives her bottles, and brings me clothes and diapers to dress her.  She will often stop the stroller, walk around to the front, look in her dolly's face, and give her a sweet kiss before continuing on with their journey.

Without Mia our days would be much too predictable and calm.  She adds spice and life to the hours and reminds me to let go of the little things in exchange for loving the greater moments.

She's also very precious when she's sleeping...