Although my life has been less than boring the past couple of weeks, I have not found the time to keep up on this blog.  My life, lately, has taken on some skills in arguing with my toddler.  Apprently this "terrible twos" phase is no joke.  I don't know if I really believed there was a phase called the "terrible twos" before having children, but I certainly do now.  My patience and sanity have been in jeporady for the past week and a half.  I have developed strong arguing and bartering skills to deal with my daughter. So, if a trip to the Carribean would be in my future, I would be able to come back with some awesome treasures for a very low cost. 
Ava, my sweet Ava, has been runnig around here yelling, screaming, kicking and throwing toys around.  Sometimes I ask myself "what the hell is going  on?"  I just sit and look at her in amazement and wondering when her head is going to spin around and spew green stuff.  Yes, it is that bad.....I don't remember signing up for this song and dance and apprently I have missed a few rehearsals in this parenting skit. 
Nothing is better when your almost 3 year old daughter throws your own one-liners back at you.  To hear her say "driving me crazy, mommy, driving me crazy," or "working on my nerves, working on my nerves," or "not playing this game no more mommy, no play games with you," can be kind of humorous and it is hard to hold back some laughs. But then I ask myself, "is she mocking me?" Yes, yes, she is. Sassy and Ava go hand in hand right now.  So then, I again, question myself wondering how my child became so sassy and then I remember she is mine.  Not that any of my questions are answered but there is some clarity.  The latest shannigans was the other day walking in a parking lot. Ava proceeds to say "look mommy, flowers!"  I respond by telling her those flowers are called tulips to which she responds "yes, mommy I have two lips." I stopped right where we were and laughed hysterically.  Only my kid, only my kid.
The other day we were going to a play group.  One, to get Ava out of the house and two, for me to have a grown up conversation. This was Tuesday morning.  It really took all I had to get a shower and changed in the morning with a crying and fussy baby Owen and into everything, refusing to listen to me Ava. So I at least showered and dressed in yoga pants and long sleeve shirt, not my usual outfit to leave the house in but I really had no choice.  So, here we go to play group dressed in lounge-wear and no make up (which is very unusual, I at least have to have face powder and blush on to give my face some life and color).  We walk into play group and apprently I looked stressed and tired.  I figured this out because 1 mom and the 2 play group orgainzers asked if everything is ok.  I respond by telling them "Yes, everything is good, I woke up breathing this morning." I don't think they really knew how to respond.  So after the songs and story the social worker from the military base sits down and asks "Kathleen, would you like me to set up an appointment for one of us to come to your house?"  "For what?" I ask.  Apprently, I look like I need help. I continue telling her what we are doing with Ava when she throws her fits and I guess we are doing everything right, at least that is what she said. Keep on truckin'