Don't Let This Face Fool You

I know . . . she may look sweet, cute and innocent, but I've come to realize . . . it's just a cover. Take a good look at that picture - you can see it, that little twinkle in her eye, that little smirk. Man, did she have me snowed!!!

It has been a tough parenting week for me. It seems my children have switched roles - like the parent trap. My calm, well-behaved little girl has turned into my hyper, whiney little boy! The only difference is that my little boy hasn't really changed into the calm well-behaved little boy - so I basically lived this week with two Kadins. (oh yeah, I'd like to see you try it!)

It's no secret that Kadin has been the more challenging child thus far. It makes my life all the more interesting that way and up until now, I have enjoyed the complete differences in my two children. They make a complete set - BUT when that balance is swayed one way or the other - it makes life in our house a little tough to take.

These are the typical struggles I've encountered with Bella this week:

• Getting pajamas on
• Taking pajamas off
• Changing diapers
• Getting dressed
• Brushing teeth
• Eating dinner
• Picking up the toys
• Getting her in from outside when we get home
• Getting her coat on
• Taking a bath

That's pretty much everything we do in a typical morning/evening.

I have to say that I really don't think this sudden change in Bella's attitude is just a phase. I think my kids got together and formed an alliance. I think the conversation went something like this:

Kadin: Bewwa, let's play a game. (sly grin with a quick glance over to Mom & Dad) Do you want to play a game?

Bella: Ya!

Kadin: Ok, you do everything I do. Ok . . . ok Bewwa? Bewwa!!

Bella: Ya!

Kadin: Ok, when Mommy & Daddy can't see me (another quick glance to Mom & Dad) . . . you do what I do ok?

Bella: Ya! (as she jumps up & down with excitement)

And so the game begins!