Psych 101

During Hurricane Irene I stayed up late with cousin H to watch a movie. The next morning Jellybean got up at 6am.

Yesterday, her nap ran late so she went to bed later than usual. Thinking she would sleep in, to account for her late bedtime, I stayed up late to start painting the kitchen. And - wait for it - she got up at 6am.

I seem to recall that the definition of insanity is repeating your actions, and thinking you'll get a different result....

Subtle

I like the understatement inherent in this MTA notification....

All subway service has resumed but customers are advised to expect longer waits and slightly more crowded trains.

A bumpy week here in NYC

Earthquake - check.
Hurricane - incoming, so check.
Locusts....???

Babyproofing

Recently, we spent some quality (and quantity) time with family. Several of those days were spent at 'Andpa and Grandma's house. During that time, Jellybean:

1) Cut 4 inches off of her hair;
2) Spilt permanent ink on the dress she was supposed to wear to a family wedding; and
3) During her 'nap' found a sewing kit and methodically inserted about 50 straight pins and needles into a mattress, with another 20+ straight pins strewn about the floor and embedded in the carpet....by her bare feet. (is her tetanus shot up to date?)

If you go to stay at my parents' house anytime soon? You MAY want to sleep in the foldout couch, not the guest twin beds. Unless you don't mind sleeping on pins and needles, of course.

Absurd

This morning:

Jellybean: "You can't wash your hair with milk!" cackle giggle snort

Me: huh?

Jellybean:  "You can't wash your hair with tea!" giggle chortle practically fall off the chair with glee...

Me: (catching on....) "No, you can't! You are soooooo silly....."

Jellybean: "I know."

Mug Shots

Who can resist these ugly mugs? Not me. Not me.

Bed bugs

Reading in bed.

I love that Jellybean is brushing Monkey's hair from her face. It is such a gentle moment. You know, before any maiming or other bodily harm occurs. 

Aloha my princesses....

Cheese!

Channeling Frida Kahlo a bit here...

The beginning of the end

Jellybean and Monkey are pretty good together. They only try to hurt or maim each other about 2% of the time, and steal toys from one another about 5% of the time. Altogether, that's darn good. And recently they have started to play - actually play - together, and it warms my heart.

However, the other morning they did something that put a tender tendril of fear in my heart, instead....
they BANDED TOGETHER against a common threat.

They both turned and told a babysitter - in a simultaneous showing of spirit - "no, don't touch our structure." It was like listening to defiance in stereo!

It's the beginning of the end....they are going to plot together against their parents. They will back each other up and wriggle out of trouble together! Manufacture excuses! Plot for more dessert and toys! Get the keys to the car! But, I wouldn't have it any.other.way. That sisterly bond is a beautiful thing.

However, don't ask me about this sentiment when they are teenagers. I will deny it.

My cheshire cat

Ollie cat is an old cat. A wise cat. A kind cat. And pretty, too! She likes attention, and generally lolls about the house with her belly showing, like a dog might. She sleeps each night on my feet, and tolerates the girls petting and brushing her.

In short, she's amazing.

However, earlier this week Jellybean pointed out a flaw.

"Mama, my cat doesn't talk."

That's right, sweetie, she's a cat.

"why?"