I love how cute Phoenix is when she gets mad. She starts off by scowling at you a couple times.  Then she makes a very loud grunt.  Then she starts trying to slap you as gently as she can.  The hitting part isn’t going to be so cute when she gets older.  If you don’t attempt to redirect her anger in positive ways (“Oh Phoenix! LOOK it’s Elmo!!), than her anger turns into tears..tears turn into meltdown…meltdown turns into throwing herself on the ground for a tantrum.  Redirecting her, often results in laughter, smiles and hugs.  Why don’t more parents realize it takes very little effort to turn that frown upside down?

I love when I lay Phoenix in her crib for her nap.  Unlike Caira, I don’t have to lay down with her to get her to sleep.  I just wait until she is more than ready for her nap and I follow the same cues each day. Her airblower must be on, shades pulled and lights off, and her blanket and favorite stuffed dog ready to put into her arms. Once said blanket and dog are handed to her, she is off to dreamland.  She sucks her thumb and rubs her blanket on her cheek until she is out cold.  I love this simplicity.

I love when Phoenix hears the little poodle next door bark.  She lights up and starts yelling her baby babble.  The poodle’s name is “Julie” and she lives with an elderly woman who is very protective of her.  Anytime Phoenix is outside, and Julie comes out…Fifi runs over to the fence as fast as she can to talk to her.  If Julie ISN’T outside, sometimes Phoenix will still run over to the fence and stand there until the lady lets her out.  I think the longest she has stood waiting was about 20 minutes.  Phoenix LOVES dogs more than most kids do….I have never seen a kiddo become so excited about dogs.  Good thing we are dog people.

I love when Phoenix wakes up in the morning.  She is half asleep and tries to stand up as quickly as she can…often losing her footing in her crib.  She tries to grab her blanket and dog and hand them to me while she reaches her arms up to me to pick her up.  Once I safely have Phoenix in my arms, she likes to cuddle with me with no more than 5-10 minutes.  Then she is off to explore her day.