My mother, being the eternal caregiver that she is, volunteered to take in four of her friend’s children this week while her and her husband are on a trip. The three older ones visit pretty frequently since they’re pretty close friends of my sisters. This week, though, the baby stayed with us too! She’s two, yes I know, two! Emily’s the star of the household right now and I’m sure she’s enjoying every second of it. That child’s mischievous grin steals your heart in nanoseconds, her hugs are priceless and that little voice can pretty much get her anything she wants.

Give the princess 10 minutes and she’ll twist anyone around her little pinky. We’ve had her for three days and put it this way, there were three people on bath duty and two people on outfit-choosing patrol. The whole thing is ridiculous, but you must remember that our baby is six going on sixteen. I think my mother forgot for a second what it’s like to have a baby in the house because the baby can’t help but cry for her mommy when it’s time for that “horrible” bed time.

For the past few years, we’ve spoiled the little one silly because he’s our baby. I think spending a little more time with Emily has nudged him a little more in the grown-up direction these past few days. He can’t help but notice the size difference every time he’s around her. It’s a bittersweet realization.

Emily’s in one of the best stages: the terrible twos. In spite of her ability to send everyone into heaps of oohs and aahs, the child can tear it up like any other active two year old. Running after these little hurricanes is probably the best cardio routine anyone can endure because you know it’ll get your blood flowing and it’s always different. Babies grow and develop in the blink of an eye. Don’t let the magic of each age escape you. Enjoy the heck out of their precious innocence.

Grab a pen, the phone, call a few girlfriends with their babies and plan a tea party! Don’t forget to invite the most important guests: your baby’s babies!

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