Big Sister...

Recently, we've reversed our morning commute.

Now, Monkey and I take Jellybean to her school and drop her off, then make our way back up to our neighborhood to Monkey's preK class and then I'm off to work. It saves time, and now that Monkey is truly settled into her new school, it isn't too hard on her to visit - and then immediately leave - her old school. (even if she STILL won't talk to her favorite teacher Jenna - I guess some old habits/grudges/love affairs run deep. stubborn kid!)

I love watching Jellybean after we drop her off. She runs into  her room, zooming about to check out any new books, and settles into her "morning work"so happily. She's a joyful joyful toddler - full of humor and love and hugs.

But even better? Is watching Monkey watch Jellybean.

Often, Monkey will lean on a low bookshelf, cupping her chin in her hands, smiling as she watches Jellybean. She loves her little sister as much as I do. And that is saying a lot.

Then, moving on from that peaceful respite, our commute recommences. And monkey says goodbye:

"bye Jelly jelly cocopuff!"

Yup, it's official; Monkey has started giving her little sister nicknames. I love these two.

Career gal

A recent conversation between cousin H and Jellybean:

J: Goodbye. I'm off to work. (exiting stage right with a handbag over her arm)

H: Yeah? Where's work? (bemused)

J: Not here. (like, DUH)

Chocolate is good

My little jester

Jellybean is funny. The problem is, she knows it!

A few nights ago she was jumping up and down like an insane frog, or a Mexican jumping bean on speed, in our hallway. Her hair was flopping to and fro like a muppet show gone wild, and her knees were coming up to almost her chest with each dramatic hop.

The unadulterated glee in this physical activity was apparent due to her gleaming eyes and gigantic grin.

She looked adorable. And hilarious!

And she was REALLY making too much noise. The floorboards were creaking and I'm sure our neighbors thought we were repetitively dropping a bowling ball on our floor.

I admonished her to stop jumping, reminding her of the rule "no jumping after dark."

She stopped jumping, pausing to catch her breath, and announced "I'm funny!"

This one is SO going to see the inside of the principal's office at school.

Flattery will get you....

Monkey likes to play dress up. A lot. "Dramatic play" is something this kid EXCELS at. We have princess clothing, ballerina clothing, kiddie-friendly hats and jewelry and all the scarves I forgot to donate after the '80s ended.

But most of all, she likes to wear my clothing. Specifically, my shoes.

We have had to institute a rule that she can only take one pair out of the closet at a time. And it's almost always a strappy three or four inch heel. Which she then puts on and clomps around in. Even Jellybean is in on this routine! It's adorable. And likely very annoying to our downstairs neighbor (sorry).

Recently, however, she's really moved on to accessories. Jewelry. Bling. Layers and layers of it. We have pink necklaces and purple necklaces and sparkly fake diamond & jewel rings and on and on and on.

Most of my costume jewelry - big necklaces, bangles, chunky turquoise pieces - are in a bag hung inside my closet. Some of which is right at eye level for Monkey.

And of course, she now wants to wear all of my jewelry. Which is OK, in theory, but there have been a few (ok, several, I learn slow!) necklaces that have succumbed to rough play and need to be repaired.

So while the shoes are generally OK under my supervision, the jewelry is off-limits.

Yesterday morning at 7:15am Monkey wanted to play with my shoes. I said no - too early to clomp around on our downstair neighbors' heads. So she turned to jewelry.

Monkey: Mom can I wear your jewelry?
Me: No sweetheart.
Monkey: Puhleeze?
Me: No. It's time to get around and eat breakfast.
Monkey: Just one piece?
Me: No.
Monkey: How about if I just get that blue one out for you? You would look so charming.