In the minds of children

A few nights ago I put the kids down then headed back to the living room to give Lily some much needed play time. Now, I can't throw to save my life, so tossing around balls for Lily is a bit of a hazard. I have only broken one picture (so far) and if you know me that is pretty good. This particular evening I managed to wing a speaker which sent the ball clunking into Kiera's bedroom wall. My heart sank.

If you are anything like me, when the kids are down, you don't want to see them again until morning. I answer their calls, direct sleepwalkers toward the potty and pull all nighters for sick babies but these days I try to take my mama hat off at lights out and take a break. Yes, I do know how lucky I am to have this freedom. No, I don't feel bad in the least about the fact that I really need a mama break. Guilt and I have an understanding at the moment.

Anyway, about a minute later Kiera comes slowly into the living room with eyes nearly bugging out of her head. "Mom," she said "I just heard the alligators back in my room." Oh for goodness sake, one miss throw and the alligators are back? NOOOOO! We have spent many months ridding Kiera's room of "bad" alligators and making strict night time rules for the "good" alligator that remains. But here we go (don't laugh, don't laugh, don't laugh).

Me: Kiera, we have sent away all of the alligators.

Kiera: But mom, I heard them in my dresser!

Me: That noise was me Kiera. I tossed the ball for Lily and it hit your wall sweetie. I am sorry it scared you.

Kiera: No mom. It wasn't a ball. It was the alligators. Now they're in my dresser. (eyes bigger, wringing her hands, voice a very serious fear whisper)

Me: I really don't think that there is room in your dresser for any alligators.( don't laugh, don't laugh)

Kiera: I am very nervous that there is at least one.

Me: Should we check?(OK, now I'm laughing, bad mom!)

Kiera: Yes please. (barely a whisper)

We then checked every drawer, nook and cranny in her room to find the offending alligator and when nothing was found Kiera agreed that she would go back to bed with this qualification, "I hope that is just the nice alligator." She honestly just thinks that I missed something.

Today, after seeing a mom nurse at play group, Kiera explained that mom's need to drink lots and lots of milk then babies can drink it off their bodies. OK.

Kiera's favorite expression is "superty duperty" As in "I love you superty duperty much!" Love it!

Kiera has found the funniest Christmas song ever. You know the one-

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

We wish you a Merry Christmas,

And a Happy New Year!

Now bring me some stinky pudding,

Now bring me some stinky pudding,

Now bring me some stinky pudding,

And a cup of good cheer!

She has been singing it for two days. Constantly. It was funny yesterday.

Kiera- Ben can I please snuggle with you cause you are my bestest friend?

Gotta love this girl!