Questions, questions, questions, (Anna)

It's fascinating to hear some of the things that Emma is wondering about at the moment:

"Do horses have fingers? What about elbows?"
"What sound do penguins make?"
"Mumma, are you going to die?" (adding "I don't want you to.")
"Mumma. Are you Santa?"
"Can I have a new sleigh for Christmas? What about some reindeer?"

One of those nights (Anna)

Toddlers' emotions are intense. Whoa. We went through about 10 complete meltdowns tonight (and only 5 of them were mine ;). She was furious! I was desperate! Every time we thought we had got though it, another one emerged about two minutes later. By the end of it I think we were both exhausted.

And then eventually it was like all the crying had been spent, and she cuddled up in my arms, all snuggly and lovey-dovey and I stroked her hair and sung to her. Then I tucked her into bed (after giving her her nightly "Mummy" kiss - a ritual while Caroline is away and can't do it herself), along with the full entourage of every animal she owns, and she fell asleep clutching my finger (my "finkie" - a cross between a pinky and a finger) murmuring "I love you, Mumma."

I think she just needed a really good cry in her Mumma's arms.

I wonder, which feeling represents parenthood more? Those moments when I could have happily thrown her out the window, or the wonderful softness of her hair and the profound intimacy as she snuggled up to me later? Perhaps that is the epitome of parenting - it is both, usually at the same time.

Paper cuts...but no books in the bed (Anna)

I was telling Emma firmly tonight that it was time for bed - no playing, no reading in bed, no squawking etc. Just sleep.

She nodded and said, "Ok. I'll just call you if I have a paper cut."

Multiplying Mummas (Anna)

When Emma makes her eyes go cross-eyes, she says with great glee: "I've got two Mummas!" (she's talking about two of me) So if she's got two Mummas and two Mummys now, we're soon going to be having Mums coming out of every room in the house. A quick way to expand your family!

Our little goof (Anna)

Emma has learned to go cross-eyed. She thinks it's the funniest thing ever.

Tornado baby (Anna)

A kid who is missing one of her Mums + a cold day with lots of time inside = a house that looks like a Tornado has swept through it.

Music (part 2)

Emma: "Mumma, can we put on some dark music?"
Mumma: Mmm. What do you mean by dark music?" (thinking concertos in minor keys or Alanis Morrisette)
Emma: Um. Mr Moon, Mr Moon.