+ What's new in Ceili Land? +
Well, let's see... You have the cutest singing voice. And all of these crazy mannerisms, and I have no idea where you get them from. You get this determined air about you sometimes, as you start roaming the house, chasing the doggie, whatever. You raise your eyebrows, set your jaw in the most mischievous expression and tromp around. It's so funny, but I have to try to keep from laughing or I'll distract you from your mission. It's even more entertaining when your super-energy kicks in and you start giggling hysterically.

You're learning how to brush those beautiful pearly whites of yours. You insist on hanging out with me in the bathroom in the morning when I'm getting ready, so I've turned it into a good time to show you how to get yourself ready too. You try to brush your hair with your little brush, and your teeth with your little toothbrush. You really like the toothbrush, even when I finally help you out to brush them for real once I'm done with mine. You're just generally learning how to do more things yourself than ever before.

Stranger danger is in full swing! You are increasingly shy and apprehensive around others. Even adults you know! Adults you know and trust (i.e. Grandma, your teacher Sylvia) can take you from me and you don't get upset. But when you first see them, especially if you're standing or walking, and you wheel around to grab my legs and bury your face. I know this is a normal stage, but it's a little frustrating sometimes. And you definitely seem to be afraid of big kids. That's the newest element of this stranger danger. If there's a big kid around, or God forbid a group of big kids, you grab on to me for dear life. Poor baby. I hear this bit lasts for a long time, so I'd better get used to it. But I miss my fearless social butterfly just a little.

Tyson's mommy (the little boy who's been in daycare with you from Day One) spotted me this morning and told me you'd given Tyson a hickey! *thud* WHAT?! I went in and asked Sylvia about it, and she just laughed and laughed. Then she said you'd bitten him. WHY is that funny? Every time they mention that you bite someone, they say it like it's funny. It's not funny. I'm just glad he's okay and that his mother took it good-naturedly. I wish they'd told me, though, instead of his mother having to tell me. Sheesh.

So you, little Miss Hollywood... Stop biting people. Stop flushing the toilet. Stop throwing your bananas down to the doggie. Stop rubbing your cracker-stubbled hands through your hair. Stop grabbing your butt when I'm putting diaper cream on it. Stop putting your hands in the doggie water bowl.

Oh, who am I kidding? Keep it up. That's how you learn about the world. Just get used to hearing, "No. Yucky. Please don't."