Listening

We've had quite a few discussions lately, with Hadley, about whining. After being sick for so long, whining kind of became a habit.  We had to work pretty hard for a few days to get back into a better habit.  Apparently though, she really had been listening to us, as I overheard her telling Benelli, the cat, the other night, "Ba-nell, there is no whining in this house, we only use happy voices!  You won't get any food if you are whining (wah-ning)!"   

I remember my sister-in-law, Kim, telling me when Hadley was born, that her favorite age was 3 because of all the funny things kids say then.  So unscripted and from the heart.  She was exactly right, each day is funnier than the last!  Hadley has apparently been listening to us say other things as well.  She told Piper at lunch yesterday, "You are so stinkin' cute, Pipo!"  She has been telling me "Let's do it, Mom" as we are heading out of the house lately.  And, thanks to her Dad, has been known to tell me, "Nice buns, Mom" as she pats my behind and runs along her way.  For the love!   After splitting a gut when she says some of these hilariously appropriate things, we are reminded over and over again that we had better be SO very careful with what we say! 

On a side note, Christmas came early for the girls this week.  My dear friend, Cyndy (we used to teach together), came for visit and spoiled the girls rotten with lovely gifts!  Hadley has thoroughly enjoyed her new Uno Moo game, and has been running around the house saying, "Uno Muno" ever since.  You can see Cyndy below reading the girls a Christmas book as they snuggled (thumbs and all) right into her.  Its pretty obvious that she is a retired teacher, eh, she looks pretty comfortable reading them a book :).