Confessions of a Preschool Drama Queen's Mommy

Okay, I'd be the first one to admit that Lilly's personality often mirriors my own. And sometimes that is something to be proud of. And then there are days like this one. Days where I watch my daughter be as strong-willed/stubborn/manipulative as I can be. Sheesh. Lilly was in rare form today, and wouldn't you know it, I woke up with a migraine which made it extra hard to stand my ground with her today. I'm happy to say that we made it through the day with only one stop on the "naughty spot" (thanks, Nanny Jo!) and one spanking. I'm so glad Matt is home now to take over for baths and bedtime!!!

I'd like to invite you to observe a small example of what today has been like for me. I'll set the scene...

Dinner time at the Podjan house. Daddy's feeding Jude, Mommy is putting the final touches on Paninis-o'-Kate. Lilly has just climbed in her seat. Prayers have been prayed. It's dinner time.

Mommy: Lilly, don't just eat the cheese...eat your chicken, too.
Lilly: I like cheese.
Mommy: I know, but you need to eat the chicken too.
(Lilly proceeds to eat only the cheese.)
Mommy: Lilly, turn around and face your food. Eat your chicken.
Lilly: (while turned around and facing the wall) I'm Princess Fiona, no, I'm Cinderella. And you're Shrek. You're an ogre! Rrrwwarrr!!
Mommy: Turn around.
Lilly: (turning around) Daddy is feeding Flounder.
Mommy: We named him Judah, not Flounder. Flounder is a fish. Judah's not a fish! He's a person!
Lilly: Judah's not a person. Judah's a boy! I'm a person!
Mommy: Sorry. Eat your chicken.
Daddy: Eat your chicken, Lilly.
Lilly: I'm Cinderella, and you're Prince Charming. I love you. (smiles sweetly)
Daddy: Cinderella, eat your chicken.
Lilly: (with the saddest face EVER) That makes me sad. You hurt my feelings! (cries)
Mommy: Eat your chicken and I'll give you some chips.
Lilly: (smiling, no tears to be seen) Okay.

And repeat for another 15 minutes. That was how our dinner time went tonight. And, yes, she eventually ate her chicken.


One of Lilly's new things is to make the "Ku Fong Panna" (Kung Fu Panda) face. Here it is: I LOVE MY LITTLE GIRL!!! (Can you believe she'll be 3 next week!)