Selah Says: A Five-Year-Old Drama Queen Speaks

Really Good

2012-01-27T16:51:00.000-06:00

Grandma, Uncle Seth and Mommy were going to share a meal while Selah and Judah ate and played with Daddy at Chuck E. Cheese.

"What are you going to eat?" Selah asked.

"I don't know," Uncle Seth replied. "Something really good!"

"Oh," she said dreamily. "It must be Chick-Fil-A."

Young Eyes

2012-01-21T04:02:00.000-06:00

It's fascinating and funny the things that young eyes see. Here's a little exchange Selah had with Papaw:

Pap lay reading. Uh-oh. Not paying attention to Selah.

She sidled up next to him, head tilted, looking intently at the folds of loose flesh on Pap's old neck.

Slowly and gently, between thumb and forefinger, she rubbed a fleshy fold. "Pap," she said softly, "you got unstable skin."

Pretty

2011-11-01T11:03:00.000-05:00

Selah admired her new haircut in the rearview mirror of the van. She added a flowered headband and smiled.

"How does this look, Mom?" she asked. "Do I look pretty?"

"Yes, you do," I answered. "Oh, so pretty."

"Yes, and who do I get that pretty from?" she asked coyly.

I smiled. Wow! She thinks I'm pretty! She sees a resemblance.

"You know," she continued, cocking her pretty little head. "Daddy!"

Squares, Not Circles! Didn't You Know?

2011-11-01T10:53:00.000-05:00

We drove around searching for a parking spot for the kiddie hair salon. The plaza was packed and it didn't look good.

"I've seen this before," Selah chirped. "Hey, we are going in squares, Mom!"

Missing

2011-03-07T10:40:00.000-06:00

Selah sat at her Little Tykes activity center cutting strips of fuchsia paper and gluing them onto a bright blue sheet. I was busy with dishes and preparing dinner.

My Father's World performed by Jadon Lavik streamed through the house. We'd been listening to praise and worship music for awhile and it seemed to have improved the atmosphere of our home drastically!

Selah stopped cutting, put down the scissors and said, "I'm tired of that song!"

She put her head down on the table.

"It makes me miss Jesus," she sighed.

Expensive

2011-03-01T14:55:00.000-06:00

Bath time can go one of two ways in our home. It's chaos, arguing and whining. Or it's a time of lovely chatter and reconnecting.

This bath time was blessed and full of laughter and kisses.

Selah leaned her head back, swinging her soaked curls against her back. I massaged shampoo into her locks and rubbed her tender ears.

"Oh, be so careful with my hair, Mom," she said. "It's very expensive to me."

I chuckled and rinsed it gently.

"Okay, sister," I said. "Now stand up so we can wash your butt-butt."

"Okay, sister," she replied. "But be so careful with my butt-butt. It's expensive to me, too!"

Manipulation Madam

2011-02-08T08:19:00.000-06:00

I finally got the girl and boy tucked in bed. They seemed content as I got ready for bed. The sweet sound of silence was so welcome! Then, just as I was about to slip into bed and turn on my favorite reality show, Selah tiptoed in.

"Ahhhh," I groaned. "Go back to bed. It's time to go to sleep."

"But, Mom," she whined. "Judah is asleep. I need someone to lie down with me."

"It's bed time, Selah," I answered. "I'm having Mommy time, you get back in bed."

(Now for the kicker!)

"Mom, you simply must lie down with me," she said. "The Lord wants you to do it."

And it ends up that He did want me to do it. We had a precious conversation about God and Jesus. About how Jesus lives in her heart and cleans up her messes.

Reality television, take a back seat.

Barbies and Batman

2011-02-06T15:22:00.000-06:00

Selah piled five or six Barbies into her baby blue Barbie jeep and sent it skidding down the hallway.

"Woohoo," she hollered. "We're going to Hollywood!"

Judah pushed his Batmobile after the bleach-blond gaggle.

"I wanna go to Hollydom," he shouted.

"Oh, no not Hollydom," Selah grimaced. "Holly-wood!"

Perhaps we've been watching too much American Idol?

Responsibility

2011-01-28T14:17:00.000-06:00

I had made numerous trips back to the kids' bedside doling out kisses, fetching toys and declaring my love. I was exhausted and sick and wanted to get in bed. I left milk for Selah and Judah by the bed, squeezed them and went to my room.

I had just settled in, finding the perfect angle that let me breathe a little better, when Selah called out.

"Mom, I need my milk!"

"It's right there on the table," I answered. "You can get it."

"No, I can't!" she cried. "I don't want to get out of bed."

"Well, neither do I!" I shot back.

There was a pause. And then the sweet, determined voice of my precious four-year-old princess.

"But, you're the big parent," she said. "You have to, don't you?"

Old

2011-01-17T18:04:00.001-06:00

Selah and Judah played for an hour in the tub. Bubbles, paint and shampoo covered the walls. It was a good time. But, there was a down side.

"Mom, can we get out?" Selah asked.

"Sure," I answered.

"Good," she called. "Cause my hands and feet are old now!"

She's writing her name!

2010-10-01T09:51:00.000-05:00

She has been practicing on her own, looking at letters and copying them. Honestly, I haven't done a thing! Today, I wrote her name on a sheet of paper. And, Selah wrote her name on the same sheet. We may have to change her blog to Selah Writes!

Weekend with Papaw and Grandma

2010-09-14T16:02:00.002-05:00

Courtesy of Papaw:

Selah and Papaw were playing in Grandma's study, taking turns singing nursery rhymes to each other.

"Look here," Selah said, discovering Lizzie's little blanket wadded up and tossed against the couch. She folded the blanket in a triangle and, with much effort and grimacing, tied it on Papaw like a scarf.

"Come on, Papaw," she said, taking him by the hand, leading him into the kitchen, where Grandma was cleaning up after breakfast.

"Look, Grandma!" she exclaimed. "It's Little Ride Redding Hood!"

Ballet Recital

2010-08-23T10:47:00.003-05:00

A beautiful bouquet for our beautiful ballerina!

Waiting to perform

Arabesque

Pretty little ballerinas

Her first performance

Drama Queen

2010-08-23T10:25:00.002-05:00

I don't know who she inherited it from. Selah is a drama queen:

Every morning, I stumble out of bed into the kitchen where I heat milk to mix with Ovaltine for Selah and Judah. It's their morning 'coffee'. This time, Judah followed me and waited as I mixed and poured.

"Would you like to take Selah her milk?" I asked my little guy.

"Yes, peas," he answered. He trotted off to the bedroom, a sippy cup tucked under each arm.

I put on the coffee and went to the laundry room to start a load.

"Momma," Selah screeched. She sailed through the door holding her cup above her head.

"What's up?" I asked.

"Judah drank half my milk," she wailed. Her cup was so full, there wasn't even a space between the bottom and top.

"No, he didn't," I said. "Its' still full."

"Yes, he did," she bellowed. "I watched him! He drank nearly all of it!!!"

That evening, bath time was a battle. Selah wouldn't cooperate. After an exhausting fight to wash her hair and every cranny, she decided she didn't want to get out. I finally reached under her arms to lift her to her feet. Kicking in protest, she struck her foot against Judah's bath seat.

"OWWWWWW," she cried. "You nearly made me cut my entire foot off!"

"Really," I said. "Well, it's still attached so get over it!"

I'm just waiting for the day she thanks me for being an inspirational mother as she accepts her Oscar!

Just Desserts

2010-06-21T09:34:00.003-05:00

We've been out of town a week. I just didn't have the time, convenience or inclination to make sure the kids were eating all the right stuff.

So, back home again, I geared up for a new attempt at nutrition. Much to Selah's annoyance.

"You've had enough sweets today," I said. Believe me, she really had.

"But, Mom, I want more ice cream," she whined.

"Look, Selah. You've been eating a lot of junk, lately," I said. "You need to be eating some good food. Food that will make you grow strong and healthy."

"I want some ice cream," she demanded.

"I know you do, Selah," I answered, "but Momma knows what is best for you. And sometimes what you want isn't what is best. It's my job to do what is best for you and Judah."

She paused, sighed and rested her hands on her hips. She raised her chin in determination.

"Well, when I have children," she declared, "I won't give them good food! It will be just desserts."

Miserable

2010-06-08T05:00:00.000-05:00

We were going to swim at a friend's pool. The first time this summer. It was hot, sticky, miserable. Nearly as miserable as I was about putting on a bathing suit!

We sat together on the entry steps. I slathered Judah and Selah with sunscreen, then began rubbing down my own legs.

"Ewwww, Mom," Selah grimaced. "Your skin is fat."

Great.

Huh?

2010-06-07T05:00:00.001-05:00

"Selah, please come here," I said. I was running the small Dirt Devil vac in the kitchen and wanted to pass the job to her so I could finish the dishes.

"Huh?" she yelled. Sitting just a few feet from me in clear view, she couldn't seem to understand my words or my motions.

I bent down, switched off the vac and turned to her hand-on-hip. "I said please come here."

"Oh, well I'm sorry," she replied. "I didn't hear you! My ears are not loud, you know!"

Different

2010-06-06T20:43:00.003-05:00

"Momma," Selah hollered. "I can't find my flip-flops!"

"Just look for them, " I answered. Busy preparing dinner, I couldn't hop to the attention Selah has come to expect.

"Where are they," she continued to whine.

I looked across the open expanse of kitchen to living room to entryway. They were tossed beneath her red Radio Flyer wagon parked by the front door.

"Try under your wagon," I suggested.

She wiggled across the room, spotted the shoes and cheered. "See, I knew you could find them! Your brain is different. Your brain is different from mine."

Losing the Privilege

2010-04-19T11:15:00.002-05:00

We had spent a wonderfully creative day at the Dallas Museum of Art. There was painting. Reading. Snacking. Crafting. Playing. Exploring. Wondering.

It took a lot of energy. Judah sacked out in the stroller on the way to the car. Selah fought sleep with her normal contrary intensity.

She had her mind on one thing. Gum.

"I want some gum, Momma," she said repeatedly.

"I know. When we get to the car," I answered.

We arrived at the car and I began the process of loading. Judah in his seat. Diaper bag on floorboard. Painted masterpieces tucked beside. Purse, keys and phone on front seat. Remnants of sack lunches, too. Stroller in the trunk. And then Selah.

"Climb up in your seat, Selah," I said.

"No, I want some gum," she whined.

"Don't say no to Mommy, " I retorted. "Please get in your seat."

Selah wriggled lose from my hand and ran around the car away from me.

"Enough, Selah," I raised my voice in irritation. "Get in the car or you will lose your privilege of having some gum."

"No," she said.

I caught her by the hand, scooped her up and plopped her in the carseat. She squirmed and yelled. And yelled even more when I informed her there would be no gum.

"No, Mommy," she snapped. "If you don't give me my gum, you will lose the privilege of holding me."

The girl knows how to push my buttons. How to strike where it hurts. And so there was no gum for Selah; no holding for Momma.

Esca-something

2010-01-13T16:58:00.003-06:00

"So, Selah," I asked, "which name do you like best? Sequoia, Tahoe, Yukon or Escalade?"

"Oh, Escalade," she declared.

"Really? Why?" I asked.

"Because it goes up and down," she answered.

It took me a minute. As all things do these days. Ah! Escalade. Escalator. What's the difference?

Social Selah

2010-01-13T16:44:00.002-06:00

Selah giggled as she ran down the hall. It was clear she had a marvelous time in her class while Momma attended Bible study. Several of her classmates danced alongside. My little girl has friends.

We stopped at the nursery to pick up Judah and headed to the church lobby and front doors.

"Time to go," I said.

"No, Momma," she whined. "Not yet."

She scampered ahead watching her buddies playing in the lobby. "Talk to someone," she begged.

Selah skittered past one of my friends and pointed. "Her!" she said. "Why don't you just talk to her?" And she rounded the corner tagging after two little girls dressed in pink.

Chocolate Grandma

2010-01-04T10:44:00.002-06:00

We've never talked about skin color in our home. Selah has only compared hair color and texture as she discovers the difference on television and among family and friends. Until now.

It was the night before the night before the night before Christmas. I dangled the carrot of going to visit Grandma to get Selah to obey.

"My chocolate Grandma?" she asked. Of course, I knew what she meant.

"Nope, your vanilla Grandma," I answered.

Lucky Selah. She has such a colorful, yummy family.

Painted People

2010-01-04T10:36:00.002-06:00

We snuggled on the couch watching one of Shirley Temples' best -- Curly Top. Selah reminds me so much of the little precocious star, it's remarkable.

She watched intently, giggling and bouncing to the song Animal Crackers in My Soup. Selah looked down and extended her arm, then pointed at the screen.

"Look, Momma," she said. "They are not painted like we are!"

This was Selah's first exposure to black and white film/TV. And she noticed.

Like Grandma

2010-01-04T10:31:00.002-06:00

Selah crinkled her nose and set down her cup of chocolate milk.

"This doesn't taste the same as Grandma's, " she complained.

"It doesn't? So sorry!" I answered.

A near week at Grandma's and Papaw's house over Christmas has brought up a slew of comparisons. Great.

She crossed her arms and tossed her head to the side.

"God should have made you like Grandma," Selah declared.

"Yes, He should have," I agreed.

Surprise

2009-11-19T11:53:00.000-06:00

"Close your eyes, Mommy," Selah requested. "I'm drawing you a picture." She turned back to her work, but noticed I still hadn't shut my eyes.

"I said close your eyes!" she snapped. I complied. She paused. "Oh, and close your mouth, too."

It must have been gaping in shock that my darling daughter sounds very much like an artistic tyrant.

Your kisses

2009-11-18T11:44:00.002-06:00

"Oh, I need kisses from my sweet, sweet boy," I squealed between kisses and lumberjack squeezes. Judah giggled.

"And, oh, I need kisses from my sweet, sweet girl," I said. I rolled Selah around the bed and planted kisses all over her face.

After a thorough kissing, Selah sat back on her knees and grinned.

"They have to drain down," she announced. She made a motion from her mouth to her chest. "Your kisses have to drain down to my heart."

Halloween Haha

2009-11-06T13:43:00.002-06:00

Selah was a cute, little rogue pirate princess. Judah was a mischievous garden gnome. And Mom was moving toward an exotic East Indian princess.

"What are you doing, Mom," Selah asked.

"Putting on my makeup," I answered as I swept teal shadow over my lid and up to my temple. "I'm a princess."

"Stop, Mom, stop!" she complained. "You have to stop. You have to take that off."

"Why?" I asked. "I think it is pretty."

"But you won't be an Indian princess if you put too much on," she replied.

"I won't? What will I be?" I asked.

"A dragon!" she cried. "You'll be a dragon!"

If only we were rick

2009-11-06T13:38:00.003-06:00

"Hey, Mom," Selah said as we breezed home in the car.

"What?," I answered.

"If we were rick, we'd have a TV in the car, right?," she asked.

"If we were rick?," I responded.

"Yes, we'd have a TV in the seat of the car for me to watch while you drive," she said.

"If we were rick?," I asked again still not getting it. "Oh, if we were rich!"

Ding. Ding. Ding.

"Yes, if we were rick," she said again.

And Says

2009-10-13T16:55:00.002-05:00

Selah spent four days with Papaw and Grandma while Mommy was away on a trip and Daddy worked. Of course, Selah didn't stop talking. And, courtesy of Papaw, this is what she said:

A rainy day. Papaw and Selah are in the study writing a letter, Papaw and pen scrunched over a blank piece of paper, Selah and pen scrunched over another. Papaw writes slowly and says each word. Selah scrawls slowly and repeats each word. "Dear Selah," Papaw says, writing. "Dear Selah," Selah says, writing. "Please be advised," Papaw says, writing. "Please be advised," Selah says, writing. "That you are a major..." Papaw says writing, pausing. "Kumquat," Selah says, looking up at Papaw.

Yes, they are!

2009-09-30T16:12:00.002-05:00

Selah entertained Judah while I was cooking dinner. She dragged him around the room, stopping periodically to 'feed' him, check his diaper and hand him a toy.

"Here, Judah," she said. "Take a bite."

He opened his mouth, but was bewildered when the pretend bite didn't satisfy. Soon Judah grew weary of the game and began to cry.

"Oh," Selah sighed and planted her hands on her hips. She turned to me and said, "Boy, babies are a lot of work, Mom."

"Yes, they are!" I chimed cheerily from the kitchen. "Yes, they are!"

Future President

2009-09-11T06:17:00.001-05:00

Selah and I caught a few precious moments together while Judah slept. We were upstairs while he slumbered in a room below. Before we finished our projects -- me on the computer and Selah at her own Selah-sized desk, we heard little guy's cries.

"Judah is awake," Selah declared and jumped up.

"Yep, let's get him," I suggested and walked toward the stairs.

Selah dashed from the room behind me.

"Wait, wait," she hollered. "I go first. I'm a leader, not a follower. I'm the leader."

Looks like we've got a future president on our hands. Or CEO. Or, yes, a mother.

She's Not

2009-09-10T17:15:00.002-05:00

Yes, it's a recurring theme. It's nap time and Selah doesn't want to nap.

"Let's clean up the bedroom before we lie down," I encouraged.

"Okay, but I don't want to take a nap," she said. "I'm not dez-hausted."

"Oh, you're not exhausted," I replied.

"No, I'm just not dez-hausted."

Coffee or Poop?

2009-08-22T19:34:00.002-05:00

I try to steal a few settled moments with my coffee every morning. I plant Selah and Judah on the bed with me. I give them toys, juice and TV. This morning was no different. They were crawling all over me ignoring the toys, juice and TV. I caught a whiff of what I thought was a dirty diaper.

"Selah, did you poop?" I asked.

"Nope," she replied.

"Are you sure?" I questioned again. "I think I smell poop."

"No, Mom," she said. "That's just the smell of your coffee."

Great.

Selah says to Papaw

2009-08-03T16:14:00.001-05:00

It had been some time since Papaw had seen his No. 1 granddaughter, so when he heard Grandma talking with her on the phone he grabbed it and spoke urgently into it: "I haven't seen you in a long time, and I'm so lonesome. I want to see you!" After a little pause, she replied softly, inscrutably: "I can see you, but you can't see me."

Yes, she can!

2009-08-02T17:38:00.002-05:00

James and I were talking about all the things we'd like to do and accomplish. To be really successful, he said, you need to be focused. He urged me to concentrate my efforts on one or two things instead of the many that fill my plate. He said something like this:

When your time, energy and creativity are divided, you can't be the best at any one thing. You can't be the greatest writer. You can't be the greatest blogger. You can't be the greatest mother.

Selah jerked around to face him, indignation coloring her pretty little face. Eyes blazing, she yelled, "Yes, she can! She can be the greatest mother!"

Thank you, my precious girl. That's just the thing that Mommy needs to hear.

That's the way

2009-07-27T11:43:00.002-05:00

"Daddy, get me some juice," Selah demanded. "If you don't, I'll get you!"

I shot her a stern look. Clear in my meaning. Do not speak to your father that way.

"Cause that's how I talk," she continued. "That's how I rock! Yes, that's how I talk. Oh, that's how I rock! Yeah!"

Oh Please!

2009-07-23T09:55:00.002-05:00

I was on the phone for the third time dealing with the BMW service department. Each time we began the conversation, Selah would interrupt. Kids have a knack for being the most demanding (and annoying) when you are on the phone.

Reading so eloquently from his script, Bob (not his real name) explained why the service bill on my car was going to exceed $500. What?!?

At the same time, Selah tugged at my shirt and whined for something I could never really figure out. I successfully blocked out most of it with the exception of Momma, Momma, Momma. And then this:

"Oh, Momma," she cried. "Please understand me. Oh, please understand me!"

Ack!! She inherited it from me...that deep, nagging need to be understood.

"I'll have to call you back, Bob," I said. "My sweet girl needs me."

The DRD

2009-07-13T16:52:00.003-05:00

Selah snuck up behind me and goosed me with a... goose. One of the plastic variety. One she found in her toy box.

"Can I take this to the DRD?" she asked.

"The what?" I asked back.

"You know, the DRD," she said. "The place we go swimming."

"Oh, the YMCA," I said. "Sure, you can take that."

DRD. YMCA. At least she knew it was a string of letters!

Oh, Grandma

2009-07-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

Selah can not get enough of Grandma. We were home just a day and a half after spending some lovely time with Grandma when Selah began pining.

"Oh, where is my Grandma?" she asked.

"She's at work today," I answered.

"At work? Why?" she said. "Why didn't she come home with me?"

"Grandma has to stay with Papaw and her dogs," I said. "And she has work to do. We'll see her again soon."

"Oh, but she is the best family I've ever had!" she cried.

Uh, I know, Selah. But do you have to rub it in?

Not good enough

2009-07-02T11:38:00.003-05:00

We were waiting in the doctor's office for an ear recheck and some dreaded vaccinations. I was trying to be light and playful. Judah found me hilarious. Selah was not amused.

"A, B, C, D," I sang. "E, F, G, H..."

"No, no," she hollered, waving a hand in front of my face. "Stop singing! Your voice isn't good enough."

Well, here we go. I'm already an embarrassment.

Yum-Yum

2009-06-18T12:49:00.002-05:00

Selah helped me mix up the batter for our heavenly banana bread. I explained that it was for Daddy to take to work for a special lunch so we wouldn't be able to eat any. She agreed and just enjoyed the preparation process.

She checked on it periodically as it baked and filled the house with it's yummy aroma. Finally, I took it out of the oven and set it on the counter to cool.

She started in with Daddy, begging for a bite.

"No," he said. "I'm sorry, that's for Daddy to take to work tomorrow."

She was not happy, continued to ask for awhile then apparently accepted the very unacceptable outcome. Then, a few minutes later, this:

Selah: What's that smell?

Mom: What smell?

Selah: That chocolate pumpkin smell.

Mom: What's that?

Selah: It means I want of piece of that bread!

Napping Pee

2009-06-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

We've been working on potty training, but I'm not really pushing it. There are days when Selah's very interested and days when she's not. Following a visit with her older cousin, Zeke, who goes potty all by himself, Selah was very interested these past couple of days.

"Mommy, Mommy," she called. "I want to go pee on the big potty."

"Get your potty seat," I answered. "You can do it!"

"No, not the potty seat," she replied. "I want to go pee on the big potty, like you...and Zeke."

Off she went into the master bathroom. I followed behind. She dropped her pull-up and scooted up on the seat. All by herself.

"Good job, Selah," I encouraged. "I know you can do it. Go on."

She sat still a moment then strained a bit and looked down into the toilet. She shook her head.

"Pee, come out of there," she demanded. "Oh, it's not coming out!"

She leaned back, sighed and looked up at me.

"I think it's taking a nap!" she declared.

Princess Kiss

2009-06-15T15:53:00.002-05:00

"More juice, please," Selah requested sweetly.

"Okay, but first I need a kiss," I said.

She sauntered toward me, took my face in both her hands, puckered her lips and closed her eyes. She moved her head back and forth for the five-second, very wet kiss.

"Wow, " I said when she finished. "That was some kiss!"

"It's for when you go the king's house," she explained.

And so this is how I was kissed by Princess Selah.

Bull-ah

2009-06-10T07:00:00.000-05:00

I just got up from the computer for a minute. Selah quickly took my place and started mashing away on the keyboard.

"What are you doing?" I accused.

"Oh, sorry," she said. "I had to find bull-ah for Judah."

"Bull-ah?" I asked. "What's that?"

"It means he talks," she said. "You know -- bull-ah, bull-ah, blah, blah, blah."

Blah. Blah. Blah. What am I? Charlie Brown's momma?

Married

2009-06-09T07:00:00.000-05:00

We were watching an episode of Caillou. He was attending a wedding and was talking to his dad about marriage.

"Mommy, am I married?" Selah asked.

"Nope," I answered.

"I'm not?" she asked again.

"No," I said. "Mommy and Daddy are married."

"Oh, well I have to be married when I'm three," she declared.

"You do?" I asked.

"Yes," she replied, "with you! How about that?"

Uncle Seth

2009-06-08T13:51:00.002-05:00

"Sometimes Uncle Seth loses my patience," Selah declared.

"Oh, really," I replied. "What happens when he loses your patience?"

"He goes to time out," she answered, "because he's not going to lose my patience!"

It's time out for you, Uncle Seth!

Upstairs

2009-06-07T07:00:00.000-05:00

I was upstairs in the study fighting with the computer and digital camera. Judah was with me, but I still had the monitor turned on so I could listen for Selah downstairs.

She sang along with one of her favorite shows, talked to her babies and giggled to herself. Then there was a pause.

"Wait! What am I doing down here?" she asked. "I wish I could be upstairs with Mommy."

A moment later, I heard her little feet stomping up the stairs to be with me and Judah...right where she belongs.

More on the clean up

2009-06-06T07:00:00.000-05:00

"We're not supposed to clean up," Selah declared. "God said not to clean up."

"Oh, really?" I asked.

"Yes, God told us to keep it messy all day."

It's official -- God doesn't like spankings or cleaning up. Good to know.

I'm sorry, but...

2009-06-05T07:00:00.000-05:00

"It's time to clean up," I announced. "Come on, Selah. Clean up your toys."

"I have a tummy ache," she said.

"Oh, I'm sorry," I answered. "But you still have to clean up."

"Oh, I'm sorry," she quipped. "But I have a tummy ache!"

Anything to get out of cleaning up. Like mother, like daughter!

No Spanking

2009-06-04T07:00:00.001-05:00

The deep things in life color our conversations as we lie in bed at night. Selah squirms and wiggles. I lead prayers and give kisses. I say "I love you" a thousand times. I say "Be still and be quiet" a thousand times.

"God doesn't like spankings," Selah said. "He says it is not good for you to spank."

"Well, Selah," I answered. "Actually, God says that I have to discipline you when you disobey. That means getting a spanking when you don't do what Mommy tells you or when you talk back to Mommy. I have to do what God tells me. Just like you have to do what God tells you and what Mommy tells you."

"Hmmph," she said and turned her face to the wall.

"I said God doesn't like spankings!" she whispered.

"Sounds like Selah doesn't like spankings," I whispered back. "Nobody likes spankings, but they will help you be the girl you are made to be."

"I love you, Selah," I whispered and kissed her ear.

"I love you, too, Mommy," she said. "I love you, too."

On Demand

2009-06-03T07:00:00.000-05:00

I know it sounds like we watch TV all the time -- because, well, we do. It's a season, I keep saying. I promise I'll do something about it soon. Until then, it is often the focus of what Selah has to say!

"Oh, Mom," she said. "I want to watch Little Bear."

"It's not on right now," I answered. We were upstairs in the study and we hadn't recorded any episodes on that DVR.

"Yes, it is!" she sang. "It's on demand or on TV..."

Well, my toddler has already passed me on the technological ins and outs of television! Yes, we can hit the On Demand button and watch Little Bear anytime we want!

My Brother

2009-06-02T11:26:00.003-05:00

They were playing so nicely together. Giggles and squeals and kisses and sweetness. Selah jumped up and ran to me.

Head cocked, eye winked, hands clasped at her cheek.

"My brother is a little rascal," she said.

She ran back and gave him a squeeze.

My two little rascals. Thank you, God.

Fire

2009-05-26T15:15:00.002-05:00

I was already missing my girl. She wasn't even gone yet. I was just packing her bags for a trip with Daddy to Grandma and Papaw's house. I had to get my sweet Selah sugar before she left.

"Hey, Selah," I called from the laundry room. I was pulling out selected pieces of Selah's clothes from the dryer, otherwise known as the place I keep laundry that needs to be folded and put away.

"I need a big hug and kiss from you really, really bad!" I cried.

She came running into the room, threw herself against me and squeezed.

"Oh, do you have the fire?" she asked and planted a long, wet kiss on my cheek.

Yes, Selah. I've got the fire!

Let's Not

2009-05-18T15:35:00.003-05:00

"Oh, Selah," I said. "Your diaper smells so bad."

"Yes, I know," she answered. "But, hey, Momma, let's not talk about me, okay?"

Whatever you say, Selah!

Friends Forever

2009-05-16T13:37:00.003-05:00

I left Selah and Judah sitting on my big, low bed for just a minute to pick out their clothes from Selah's closet. They were entertaining each other. He was laughing. She was laughing. And I was listening.

Selah chattered on about hugging and clapping and playing. And then...

"Oh, Judah," she said. "We'll be friends forever!"

Lump in my throat. Tears down my cheeks. Praise in my heart. I thought of my sister and brother -- our friendship.

Yes, they'll be friends forever.

Breakfast

2009-05-15T13:00:00.002-05:00

"What are you eating, Selah?" I asked.

I shot up out of that lazy place between asleep and awake. I haven't given her anything for breakfast yet, I thought. My mind was rolling through the options. Playdoh? Toothpaste?

"My french fries," she responded. "But they are too hard." She was persistent. Popping another and crunching down.

Oh. I forgot that we left a bowl with her leftover dinner fries sitting on the bedside table. I started to laugh.

"Are you hungry?" I asked.

"Yes, " she nodded and inspected the brittle waffle fry resting in her chubby hand.

"Oh, poor baby," I replied. "I'll get you some breakfast."

"It's okay," she answered. "I already have some."

She chomped down on the fry and grimaced.

Growed Up

2009-05-08T08:51:00.003-05:00

There hadn't been a face-off. No sharp words. Not even a directive from Momma. Selah's conversation with herself came out of the blue.

"I don't ever want to be all growed up," she said. "Grown ups are so grumpy."

Subtle message? It's time to play more, Momma.

Big Word for a Little Girl

2009-04-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

I ran a bubble bath for Selah and turned on the fabulous bubble machine so she could bathe in bubble heaven.

Daddy came in to sit with her while I rocked Judah in the bedroom, but I could still hear them talking.

"I'm 'frus-ter-ated'," Selah declared out of the blue.

"Why are you frustrated?" Daddy asked.

"I'm 'frus-ter-ated'," she answered, "because I am."

That's it. That's the story. My girl is two and a half and she is using the word 'frustrated'. Well, Selah, I'm flabbergasted.

Is she?

2009-04-22T09:00:00.000-05:00

"Come on, Selah," I said. "Help Mommy clean up.

"I can't," she answered. "I don't want anyone to touch me."

(Not sure what that has to do with helping to clean up -- any excuse will do, I guess.)

"Well, we need to clean up," I answered undeterred. "Grandma is coming."

"Is she?" she asked with a raised brow. "Okay. I like Grandma."

Lucky you, Grandma!

"But I still don't want anyone to touch me," she added.

Chatter with Selah

2009-04-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

Selah was full of chatter and very busy with her dragon baby (actually a Tyrannosaurus Rex), my cell phone and her baby brother. Here's a conversation she very nearly had with herself:

(Clicking away on my camera phone.)
That's a picture of our house! Oh and that's a picture of my grandma when she was old.

(Phone to ear.)
Hi, Grandma. Goodbye!

(Phone to ear and rocking her baby.)
Shhh. Please don't bother me, Mommy. I'm working. Humph.

Peanut Butter and Bananas

2009-04-20T12:06:00.002-05:00

I love introducing my girl to the finer things in life. Like bananas and chunky peanut butter. I slathered a glop on the tip of a banana and savored a bite.

"I want some, too," Selah said.

"Sure, here you go," I answered.

Selah took a big bite, gobbled it down and smiled.

"I like peanut butter and bananas," she announced.

"Me, too," I said.

"Me, three," she shot back with a smile.

Can we keep him?

2009-04-20T12:00:00.002-05:00

Selah was full of love for her brother this morning.

"Oh, he's so cute!" Selah squealed as she squeezed Baby Judah's chubby cheeks. "He's the best baby ever!"

"Yes, he is a good boy," I agreed.

"Can we keep him, Momma?" she asked.

"Yes! I think we will!" I cheered.

More ham, please!

2009-04-17T10:16:00.002-05:00

Daddy served Princess Selah breakfast in bed, just the way she likes it. Yogurt and strawberries and a luscious pile of Easter ham. She dove into the meat and finished it quickly.

"Daddy, Daddy," she called. "I want more meat. Bring me some more meat, please."

Daddy walked back into the room.

"Have you eaten your yogurt and fruit?" he asked. "Nope. You need to eat that and then I'll bring you more ham."

"No, no, no," she shook her head and hollered. "I want more meat. Bring me more meat!"

"I said you have to eat your yogurt and fruit first," Daddy replied and left the room.

Selah was stunned. She stared at the door then turned to me.

"Uh, he didn't hear me!" she said incredulously. She crossed her arms, shrugged her shoulders and scowled.

What happens in the kitchen?

2009-04-17T10:07:00.002-05:00

Selah has a great little board book called What Happens in the Kitchen?. It has color photographs of kids and their parents doing things in the kitchen like mixing, baking, measuring, etc. We've read it a few times, but she mostly likes to look at the pictures.

"What happens in the kitchen?" I asked as I opened the book.

Selah looked at the photo of a little girl holding a bunch of grapes under a running faucet (washing).

"Grape-ing," she declared. "Grape-ing happens in the kitchen."

I chuckled. No, it's griping, I considered responding. Mommy starts griping every time she gets near to the kitchen!

I'm a Selah

2009-04-03T10:23:00.003-05:00

Selah's bubble gum pink jammies feature an appliqued, embroidered ballerina posing pique en arabesque. I'm hoping she'll be so enamored, she'll want to start ballet when she turns three.

This morning, she danced around in her night clothes, softly rubbing the ballerina poised just above her belly.

"What's on your shirt," I asked. She looked down to make sure I wasn't speaking of a stray jelly blob or accidental pen mark.

"Oh," she answered. "A ballerina. She's dancing."

"Yes," I said. "Can you dance?"

"Oh, no," she replied. "I'm not a ballerina, I'm a Selah."

Close one!

2009-04-03T09:59:00.003-05:00

Daddy was on his way home to make a quick change and whisk Selah off to Grandma and Papaw's for an overnight visit. Bags were by the door. Selah was dressed and groomed. She just needed to finish eating.

Selah, like most toddlers, likes to play with her food. It's okay with me most of the time, but when we are trying to speed up the schedule to get somewhere, I just want her to eat!

Yummy leftover pizza cut into bite-sized squares sat gooey and crusty on Selah's plate. She had taken one bite and decided to play with the rest. Poke, poke, poke. She thrust her finger at each piece, sending a couple flying over the edge of the plate and onto the floor. The dogs cleaned up the mess in no time.

"Selah, stop that!" I said. "Eat and stop wasting your food."

"Okay, Mommy," she responded. She flicked another bite onto the ground. Moxie and Elsa dashed for it, but Nik held them back with a growl and scooped it up with one sweeping lick.

"Selah!" I said gruffly. "I told you to stop that! If you do it again, I will spank your bottom."

She smiled coyly and dangled a greasy finger above her plate.

"Don't do it," I warned.

She moved her finger toward the plate, but jerked it back just before touching down. Testing, testing.

"Whoa, Mom," she said. "That was close!"

I spun around to hide my grin, but I couldn't contain my laughter. Oh, she is something!

Now turn it on

2009-03-18T11:05:00.002-05:00

"Turn the TV on, Momma," Selah begged.

I was at the computer checking email before we had to leave for an appointment.

"Oh, no," I answered. "TV is bad. It will rot your brain."

She looked at me undeterred. "Turn the TV on please, Momma," she said.

"Selah, listen," I said. "Say, TV is bad. It will rot your brain."

"OK," Selah answered. "TV is bad. Wait I have to give you a kiss first."

She puckered and smacked a big one right on my lips.

"TV is bad," she began again. "It will rot your brain."

Yeehaw. I made an impression!

"Now, turn the TV on please, Momma!" Selah demanded.

My hopes are dashed.

Batteries

2009-03-16T11:54:00.003-05:00

It had already been a full day. Getting us all ready and off to church on time. Fixing lunch and begging Selah to eat it. Playing, chasing, pleading, disciplining. Two o'clock was past time for my nap. Oh, and Selah's, too.

I stepped into the bathroom to change into some nap clothes. James was helping Selah do the same in the bedroom.

"I don't want to take a nap," she whined. "I'm not tired."

"It's time to rest," James said. "You need to recharge your batteries."

"But, I don't have any batteries in my diaper!" she replied.

So much for creative reasoning.

So you can drive

2009-03-12T12:39:00.002-05:00

The angry wind sprayed heavy rain, cold and dark against the car. We were on our way to church. Judah was asleep and Selah was quiet, staring out the window. She looked a bit worried so I reached back, patted her knee and grabbed her hand. She gave it a squeeze.

"Okay, Mommy, " she said. "I have to let go of your fingers now so you can drive."

Wow. My girl already appreciates the safety of driving two-handed. Maybe I'll be able to rest a little easier when she's 16. Or 21... cause that's when I'll consider letting her begin driving!

My God

2009-03-12T12:34:00.002-05:00

"O God, you are my God," I began reciting Psalm 63 as I prayed for my children.

Selah, who was sitting on the floor coloring, whipped around.

"He is not your God," she declared. "He's my God!"

Such ardor, such vehemence. I couldn't help laughing.

"Yes, He is your God, Selah," I assured. "He's my God, too. He's our God."

She nodded and went back to coloring without a word.

Selah loves her candy!

2009-03-09T17:45:00.002-05:00

It starts before breakfast.

"I want candy, Mommy," Selah purrs.

I quickly set her straight. "Not until after lunch!"

On our road trip this weekend, I carried a bag of Gummi Bears as a treat for after lunch. As we loaded the car, Selah grabbed the bag and carried it with her.

"No candy until after lunch," I gently reminded.

"I know," she said. "After I eat a good lunch, then I can have candy!"

We headed down the road and I heard the unmistakable crinkle of the candy bag.

"What are you doing back there, Selah?" I asked. I hoped she wasn't disobeying me. We'd only been on the road for a few minutes and I didn't want the trip to turn sour.

"I'm just hugging my candy," she said brightly.

I glanced back to see her arms wrapped snugly around the bag, a huge smile on her face. Yes, Selah loves her candy!

P-P-Holly

2009-03-09T17:27:00.002-05:00

We have two friends with similar sounding names. Holly and Polly. Selah, Judah and I had already spent the night with Holly during our weekend trip to Paris. As we were heading out of town, we planned on stopping to see Polly, too.

"I want to go home," Selah said.

"We are going home, but first we're going to see Polly," I answered.

"I don't want to see Holly," she whined. "I want to go home." Selah is a homebody. A few days away and she's itching to get back to her place, her routine. As much as she loves her Aunt Holly, when she's ready for home, she's ready.

"Not Holly," I said. "Polly."

"I don't want to go see Holly," she repeated.

"P-P-Polly," I stressed. We hadn't seen Polly in quite a while, so I wasn't surprised Selah was confused.

"I know,"she said noticeably frustrated. "I don't want to go see P-P-Holly."

Well, we need new names for our 'Olly' friends or I need to work on my diction.

A Big While

2009-02-25T13:08:00.002-06:00

"Don't go to sleep, Selah," I sang. Selah's eyes slid closed and her head leaned to the side.

"Oh, no! Don't go to sleep!" If she fell asleep in the car on the way home, she'd wake up when I got her out and she wouldn't go back down for a full nap. Not today! I need nap time today!

"Why, Momma?" she asked sleepily.

"You can watch TV for a while when we get home," I bribed. "Then you can take a nap in Momma's nice, comfy bed."

"Oh, we can watch TV!" Selah rejoiced. Anxious for her favorite pastime, she was suddenly very alert, but then became oddly quiet. I glanced in the rear view mirror. She was staring out the window, clearly deep in thought.

"Are we gonna watch for a little while or a big while?" She squinted her eyes, cocked her head and smiled.

Once again, I was unable to resist her charm. "B-I-G! Big! Big! Big!" I exclaimed. "Selah gets to watch her TV for a big, big while!"

Hiccups

2009-02-25T09:06:00.002-06:00

Selah doesn't save her brilliance just for Mommy. Daddy has a story, too.

Selah and I were horsing around when she began hiccuping.

"You've got the hiccups," I observed.

"Yeah, I know," Selah quipped.

"Well, you need to drink some water," I said.

"I don't want water," she said. "I'm not thirsty."

"Water will help you get rid of your hiccups," I promised, leading her to the kitchen.

When we got to the fridge, Selah spotted the 7-Up container on the door and offered a suggestion:

"I want something spicy," she said, pointing to the 2-liter container.

I poured a small amount, watched her sip it, and then sent her on her merry way.

A few moments later, I caught up with her again and asked if her hiccups had "gone away?"

"No," she said, "They're still making noise."

That's what hiccups do, you know.

Not a guy

2009-02-24T15:01:00.002-06:00

"Shh. Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh," I sang trying to soothe crying Judah as I drove to Bible study this morning.

"It's okay. You're okay, " I said.

His cry grew more desperate. My heart hurts when he cries like that.

"Oh, I'm so sorry little guy," I cooed.

"He's not a guy, Momma," Selah piped. "He's just a baby."

Weekend with Grandma and Papaw

2009-02-23T11:30:00.005-06:00

Grandma and Papaw always get an earful when Selah visits. She weighed in on carrots and missing smiles this weekend.

Selah and Grandma and Papaw were finishing their lunch.

“I want down now,” Selah said.

“Have one more bite,” Grandma said.

“No,” Selah said.

“Have just this one more bite,” Grandma said, reaching over to spoon a carrot from Selah’s bowl of Grandma’s special chicken/vegetable soup.

“No, I don’t like that,” Selah said.

“You don’t like carrots?” Papaw said.

“No,” she replied.

“How do kids develop food preferences anyway?” Papaw asked Grandma.

“From their parents, I suppose,” Grandma said.

“Well, who doesn’t like carrots?” Papaw asked.

“Nobody does,” Selah replied firmly.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

Selah awoke sour this morning, whining for Grandma to pick her up.

“I don’t pick up whiny little girls,” Grandma said, “until they find their smile.” Selah looked at her grumpily, and Grandma turned away, going into the kitchen. She returned in a couple of minutes.

“Did you find it?” Grandma asked.

“Not yet,” Selah said.

“Look under your pillow,” Grandma said, turning to go back into the kitchen. “See if it’s there.”

Two or three minutes later Grandma was back. “Find that smile yet?” she asked.

“I can’t find it, Grandma,” Selah whined. “It just keeps hiding.”

So busy

2009-02-17T08:36:00.002-06:00

Today, we had boiled eggs for breakfast. That's after Selah had a few bites of vanilla yogurt, oranges and raisin nut bread. She grazes.

She shoved nearly half an egg into her mouth, grabbed another and climbed to the center of my bed.

"Selah, get down from there, " I said. "I don't want egg all over my bed."

"Oh, it will make a big mess!" she said. "You'll be so busy, you won't be able to see me."

I've really got to stop being so busy!

Mind?

2009-02-16T12:13:00.004-06:00

"I want ice cream," Selah whined.

"Nope, not now," I answered. "You have to wait until after lunch."

I went back to cleaning the bathroom and she sauntered off without a complaint.

Wow, I thought. Great! No fighting.

A few minutes later, Selah tip-toed to the door of the bathroom. She twirled around and I noticed something tucked under her arm -- a cup of ice cream!

Unbelievable! She had marched into the kitchen to get the ice cream on her own!

"I didn't think you would mind," she offered.

"Uh, that's where you are wrong, Liitle Miss," I answered. I grabbed the cup, walked to the kitchen and put the ice cream back in the freezer...this time on a higher shelf.

Three Times

2009-02-13T15:49:00.003-06:00

Selah loves Playdoh. She leaves open cans scattered around the house. From room to room, she carries big wads, long ago muddied by mixing the colors together. She leaves pebbles of the stuff behind her in trails.

This morning, she had the lavender and aqua out on my bedside table. I played with her for a while, hoping I could keep the mess under control. Still, small sweep-resistant pieces of dough kept falling to the floor.

"Selah, quit dropping your Playdoh all over the floor," I said irritably. (Yes, I know full well that this expectation is totally unrealistic.)

She looked down astonished to find the mess at her feet.

"How many times do I have to tell you?" I added.

"Three," she answered without missing a beat.

We'll see about that, I thought. And we will.

Indeed

2009-02-09T11:41:00.002-06:00

Selah marched past me, a terrible poopy odor trailing behind her.

"Shoo, Selah. That's stinky," I said. "Your diaper is rank."

"Uh-huh. It is rank," she said. "It's rank indeed."

Just for me

2009-02-09T11:22:00.002-06:00

I took just two minutes in the bathroom by myself to brush my teeth. I keep forgetting what can happen when I take my eyes off Selah for a moment.

My teeth were clean, but there she was... sitting on the bedroom floor, spoon and cup in hand, with blobs of creamy vanilla yogurt bubbling between her toes and dotting the area around her.

"Oh no, Selah, " I said. "You don't do that. That is not okay."

"It's not?" she asked, of course already knowing the answer.

"No. Now what were you thinking?"

Selah paused. "Oh, Mommy. I was just thinking about you."

Why on earth do I ask such questions to my two-year-old? Really, what am I thinking?

Mad Eyebrows

2009-02-04T11:00:00.002-06:00

Selah wasn't getting what she wanted. And she didn't like it. She plopped down on the fireplace ledge and crossed her arms.

"I'm mad," she said. "I'm just really upset."

She made a sour and angry face.

"See my eyebrows? They're mad, too."

Barackobama - Yes, it's one word!

2009-01-20T18:28:00.002-06:00

Selah, Judah and I were watching the inaugural activities on TV. The new first couple were watching the parade from the viewing box.

"See, Selah," I said. "There's Barack Obama, our new president."

"Yeah," she said taking a long look at Mr. President.

"And there's his wife," I continued. "Her name is Michelle Obama."

"Oh," Selah replied. "She's going to come to my home. She's going to fix my TV." (By 'fixing her TV', Selah means putting it on the right channel -- one with her cartoons on!)

"She is?" I asked with surprise.

"Oh, no," she responded. "Barackobama is going to fix my TV." (Selah likes to say his name as one word!)

Well, get in line, chickadee. There are a lot of folks yelling for Mr. Obama to fix a whole laundry list of things!

Special

2009-01-19T18:11:00.002-06:00

I'm forever chasing Selah around with a pair of socks. She likes her feet bare. I want them covered.

She had been running around sockless for a while before I finally asked, " Where are your socks?"

"I took them off," she replied. "Because, you know, they weren't really special."

Apparently I'm going to have to start buying really special socks.

She really can count!

2009-01-19T18:07:00.002-06:00

Selah charged into the room carrying a round tin container and plopped on the bed.

"Surprise," she whooped as she slipped off the lid. Inside were colorful foam letters she plays with during bath time.

"Oh, neat," I said. "What letter is this?" I picked out the letter 'A'.

"I'm sorry, Mom," she replied. "I can't count right now."

No Use

2009-01-12T12:23:00.002-06:00

It used to be easy to get Selah to take a nap. I'd strip her down to a comfy T-shirt and diaper and put her down in my huge, soft, pillow-fest bed. I'd hand her a bottle of warm whole milk, kiss her little nose and lie down beside her. Before she finished the bottle, she'd be out, her lovely, thick, long lashes resting peacefully against her cheeks.

Well, I've decided she needs to quit the bottle completely, so we went cold turkey a few days ago. She's done very well, only asking a few times for a bottle. But, nap time now is yet another huge battle.

Yesterday, I started with the ritual. Pulled the orange silk curtains shut. Turned the ceiling fan on low. Pulled off her shoes, socks and leggings. Tucked her in beside me.

She flipped, flopped, squirmed and complained.

"I don't want to go to sleep," she moaned.

"I know, but you have to," I answered.

More kicking of covers, tossing of head and wringing of hands. She'd get up on her hands and knees and glance at me to see what I'd do.

"Lie down, Selah," I ordered. "I'm not going to tell you again." (Of course, I knew full well that I would tell her again!)

She sank into her pillows, sighed deeply and reached for my hand.

"Oh, Momma. I can't go to sleep," she said. "It's just no use."

***Selah did take a nap. It took her 45 minutes to fall asleep. That girl has a will of iron! Wonder where she got that?

I'm not Selah anymore.

2009-01-08T10:05:00.002-06:00

It was quiet in the car as we drove home from Awanas last night. Thank you, Judah. Thank you, Selah.

My girl broke the silence with a quip out of no where. "I'm not Selah anymore," she said. "I'm Daddy."

"What?" I asked. Nothing. No explanation. No further discussion. I can only imagine what's going on in that brilliant little head of hers.

Yes, She Does

2009-01-08T09:24:00.003-06:00

It was an eventful shopping trip to Walmart. Judah was sleeping soundly against my chest in his infant carrier. Selah was switching between animated chatter and irritating whining.

She charmed a couple with a conversation with herself in a mirror in the clothing section.

"Oh, hi. It's me," she said grinning broadly and cocking her head. They smiled and praised. "What a precious little girl!"

She begged for a treat. "Look Mommy! It's candy. Please can I have some." I had been promising all day, so I opened a package and obliged.

She instructed a lady to clear the way at checkout. "Move, move, move!" she demanded. I addressed her rudeness and she apologized which, of course, the woman found adorable.

And finally, she impatiently yelled for me to pay for her Wonder Color pens so she could open them. "Mine, get mine. Now. Now!" She threw the package on the conveyor belt to show she meant business.

"No, Selah," I reprimanded firmly. "That's no way to behave."

"Ah, Mom," she shot back. "I just don't know any better." Thus proving that, yes, she does.

Why is he crying?

2008-12-29T10:34:00.003-06:00

Selah moved between the living room and bedroom yesterday evening. She'd spend a few minutes coloring next to her Dad who was reading the paper, then run around the corner to check on me and baby brother. I was watching the movie Something's Gotta Give with Diane Keaton and Jack Nicholson.

Selah skipped in, plopped on the bed, settled back with her hands behind her head and watched the screen quietly. It was the scene where Jack Nicholson's character thought he'd lost his soul mate (Diane Keaton) to a much younger, much more attractive man (Keanu Reeves). Jack was standing on a bridge overlooking the Seine in the drizzle of a frosty Paris night. He began to cry.

"Why is he crying?" Selah asked.

"He's sad," I answered.

"Why?" she continued. "Because he misses his mommy and daddy?" Her voice was serious and her face somber.

"Maybe," I said casually. "He's okay. Don't worry."

What do you say about lost love and heart ache to a two year old? I never, ever want her to know how it feels.

The Sea Monster

2008-12-27T11:54:00.004-06:00

It was after 6 p.m. and Selah and I were still in our pajamas from the previous night's rowdy sleep. We had brushed our teeth and cleaned our faces, but getting dressed just seemed less and less important as the lazy day dragged on. We had spent much of it lounging in our big, low, piled-high-with-pillows bed watching Little Bear, playing games and loving on baby brother.

What could be better to complement such a comfortable day than warm cookies. So, I moved to the kitchen to whip up a batch of white chocolate walnut cookies -- ooey and gooey and just right.

Judah slept peacefully in his Papasan chair securely placed on the counter next to my work space. Selah ran in and out of her play room adjacent to the kitchen.

The sky was just past dark with the yellow glow of city living casting shadows against the walls of the courtyard outside the sliding doors in the play room. The kitchen lights softly illuminated a slice of Selah's play place leaving the edges and corners of the room darkened.

The peaceful sounds of Selah's random play were shaken by her shriek as she ran from the room.

"It's a sea monster, " she hollered. Then, just as she crossed the threshold and before I could respond, she spun around, stepped back into the room and looked through the sliding glass panes.

"Oh, no wait, " she piped. "It's just me." Her fear turned to calm as she realized the image of the sea monster she thought she saw in the reflection from the doors was actually her.

***Thanks to a recent episode of Little Bear, Selah is a bit frightened of sea monsters. Thank you, Little Bear.

Two In One Day

2008-12-16T12:15:00.003-06:00

I was talking to my Mom on the phone. And, like every time I get on the phone, Selah's radar went off. You know, the one that alerts her to get loud and adamant in her pleas to me for something so very important. She continued to nag when I asked for her silence and patience. Then she popped off with some disrespectful quip.

"I've got to go, Mom," I said. "I've got to take care of this."

Before I could finish the sentence and hang up the phone, Selah skittered down the hall looking back over her shoulder.

"No, no," she hollered. "Don't you take care of me!"

That evening, Selah, Judah and I were soaking in a wonderful, steamy whirlpool bath. She had been using her new cool kiwi-berry foam soap to lather up her body and mine. Nothing so relaxing as being bathed by tiny, hurried hands! Right.

I noticed a small bump on my leg that looked like a bug bite. I reached down to touch it. And since Selah has inherited the monkey grooming trait from me (Yeah!), she beat me to it.

"Don't worry, Momma, " she said as she pinched my skin. "I'll squeeze it down for you!" Great, now I'm in contest for stuff to squeeze. Watch out, Daddy!

(My apologies to those of you who are squeamish about squeezing, mashing, popping and plucking!)

The Girl Strikes Again...And Again...And Again

2008-12-12T11:26:00.001-06:00

During a visit to Grandma and Papaw's place this week, Papaw got an earful from Selah. Here's what he said she said:

Selah hit me with some good ones during her visit this week.

She and I were in the study, where I was sorting out some receipts, old ones for discarding in this pile, new ones for keeping in that one. She watched patiently for approximately three nanoseconds, then she grabbed one pile and tossed the receipts into disarray. "Don't do that, you boot boggler!" I scolded. "I am NOT a boot boggler," she said, emphasizing the not. "You're not?" I said. "Well, then what are you?" "I am a kumquat," she said, using Papaw's favorite designation of a scatterbrain.

Later, we were in the living room where, unaccountably, I was wearing a fedora. She liked that style and badgered Grandma for a hat. Grandma promptly gave her one of mine. "Grandma!" I protested. "That's one of my best hats. She always gets the good stuff." "Yes, I do always get the good stuff," she replied agreeably.

While you got ready to leave Thursday morning, I held Judah, rocking him in the recliner. She came over and kissed him on the cheek. "Who is that?" I asked. "My baby brother," she said. "What's his name?" I asked. "Judah," she said. "That's a fine name," I said. "Who named him?" "I named him," she said. "Did mama help?" I asked. "She helped a little bit," she said.

Little Disciplinarian

2008-12-06T16:10:00.003-06:00

Selah may not always readily respond to discipline, but she sure knows how to dish it out!

Last night, I was sitting in bed nursing Judah. Selah was close by ready to help.

"Get your babies and feed them while Momma feeds baby Judah, " I said.

"Okay," she responded and gathered up two of her dolls. She climbed into bed beside me and started talking to her babies.

"No means no," she said to the less lucky one. "I told you not to do it. Now, you sit here until I tell you."

Yikes. The first phrase belongs to James, but I have to claim the second.

Then this morning, James came home from his morning coffee and newspaper retreat at Starbucks. He had made a quick stop at an estate sale in a beautiful old home overlooking White Rock Lake. He brought with him a glossy sales postcard of the property. I only caught a quick, dream-like gaze before Selah wrenched it from my hands. She immediately began twisting it into a messy cylinder.

"What are you doing with that?" I asked.

"I'm turning it into a spanking stick," she said without missing a beat.

Whoa, kid. Let us get this straight. We only use rolled up newspaper to swat the dogs!

Matching

2008-12-01T18:19:00.002-06:00

Although Selah hasn't yet mastered all her colors, she has the concept of color matching down really well.

Yesterday as I sleepily scooped my beloved hazelnut decaf coffee from its bag into the coffee maker, she sidled up and thrust a green crayon next to the package.

"See, it matches," she declared.

"You are right," I responded. "You are so smart." Big smile and off she went.

She's done this many times, comparing her crayons or Playdoh with things like the carpet, items of clothing and various wall colors.

Last night, she made one particularly astute comparison. I was holding Judah on my shoulder, gently patting his back and pleading him for a 'burp-it'. Selah drew close to admire her baby brother, kissed his head and stroked his cheek. She moved her gaze to my face and reached with her other hand for my cheek.

"Look, Momma," she said. "It matches. Baby Judah's cheek matches your cheek, Momma."

I wanted to ask if she'd include texture and 'kissability' in her assessment, but settled for the acknowledgment of a little rosy glow. What a coup for this late thirty-something, make-up free mommy!

Home

2008-11-30T16:30:00.002-06:00

We've had an eventful couple of weeks.

We were elated when Judah Morley Ragland arrived at 5:16 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17. After a short stay in the hospital, we brought our little man home. A few days later, we were back in the hospital. Judah was running a fever and was covered in a rash. After a series of tests and four long and tense nights at the hospital, Judah's fever broke. The illness was declared a virus that he just had to fight. We finally returned home again.

The outpouring of prayer and concern by family and friends was not surprising, but so very welcome. We are grateful beyond words. Especially to my Mom. We could not have made it through these two weeks without her. She faithfully, lovingly, selflessly cared for Selah; me, James and Judah; our dogs and our home.

Selah has always adored Grandma. But she has become especially connected over these past stressful days. After Grandma returned home, it took just one night and a call from Grandma for Selah to share the depth of her attachment.

"Guess who it is, " I said to Selah. "It's Grandma."

A bit cranky and preoccupied with the TV, Selah didn't respond. But it didn't take long before she wanted to talk.

She put the phone to her ear and demanded, "When are you coming home, Grandma? You're supposed to come home."

She said what my heart will always feel. It's simply home when you are with us, Mom.

Not a word

2008-11-27T19:47:00.002-06:00

Here is Selah adoring Judah, her new baby brother. Not a word was said. She said it all with her gentle gaze.

A word she doesn't like to hear

2008-11-27T19:24:00.005-06:00

There's a word that Selah likes to say, but really hates to hear.

Dusky warmth of the evening sky filled the house with shadows. I sat quietly on the sofa, nursing sweet-smelling Judah and listening to the low whispers of the television. Selah woke up from a long nap and peeked her curly, sleepy head around the corner.

"Come snuggle with Mommy and Judah, " I said. She toddled over, climbed up and settled in close with her head on my shoulder her hand on Judah's full belly.

After a sigh of peaceful silence, she lifted her head and said, "You said no to the candy."

"What?" I asked.

"You said no to the candy."

"Oh yes, that's right." I realized she was referring to a conversation earlier in the day. She had asked for her third piece of candy and I said no.

"You have to stop saying no," she offered with simple authority.

Don't worry, Selah. You''ll only be hearing it from me for about another 18 years. Or more.

Time Out

2008-11-20T16:18:00.002-06:00

Here's a little Selah tidbit, courtesy of Papaw:

The girl strikes again.

While you lay abed at the hospital, patiently and painlessly awaiting The Boy's arrival, she and I were in your bedroom watching cartoons on the TV, arguing, and making ladybugs from Playdoh.

When I had a handful of the ladybugs, I said, "I'm going to show these to Grandma," and started to leave the room.

"No, no, no, no," she said.

"I'll be back in a minute," I said. "I'm going to show these to Grandma."

"No, no, no, no," she said again, coming over to me. She grabbed my left forefinger and led me over to the rocking chair.

"Sit down here, Pap," she said, "and have timeout."

Making Daddy Sick

2008-11-11T09:32:00.002-06:00

Strong-willed Selah puts up a fight about anything to do with changing her, bathing her, dressing her or putting her in the car seat. I'm sure there are other points of contention that I've forgotten!

So last night I was giving her a bath. I allowed her plenty of time to play with her squirty animals and floaty toys and to thrash around swimming in our spa tub. I reluctantly started the contest.

"Let's wash your body, Selah, " I said. "Stand up, please."

"NO, NO, NO. I don't want to," she cried and wiggled away.

As patiently as possible, I continued to ask her to stand as I lifted her up. Finally, an authoritative word from Daddy in the other room was prompting enough for her to suffer through the one-minute washing.

"Okay, you can sit down to rinse off," I said.

She sat down, turned her sour-lipped face toward me and pointed a finger.

"No, Momma. You're not supposed to do that," she said. "You're making Daddy sick."

That makes two of us, little Sassy Miss.

Momma, you're a star

2008-11-09T15:16:00.003-06:00

Selah is quite the affectionate child. She likes to climb all over me hugging and kissing every few moments. She was doing just this when she faced me and put her soft, little hands on my cheeks.

"Oh, momma, you're a star," she said. Finally, I've made it! I'm a star to someone.

And then moments later. "Momma, you're a sun cloud." She's not only articulate, she's poetic! She must take after me!

And finally. "Momma, you're a chubby cheeks." How sweet of my sweet girl to ease me so kindly toward the truth.