Our Little Guardian

Well, the toddler at the center of many of my posts this year discussing her independence, her spunk, and her lungs, is the center of another post for another reason. She has become our little guardian. Lately, I frequently hear her making sure everyone gets a turn or that nobody gets left out. That includes books, treats, games, movies, a piece of cheese at dinner, etc. She also always runs to Mommy's aid when I wrestle with her. Though she has lost none of her other talents, she is definitely developing a strong sense of nurturing, like a little mommy. Maybe it has something to do with her growing collection of baby dolls. She did this a lot for me when I was Mr. Mom. She also did it several times today. For example, in addition to offering me a piece of her cheese (because other at the table got some), she also wanted to make sure I got a manner bean in the manner jar for thanking Mommy for a wonderful dinner. I told her the jar was just for the kids. She replied by telling me that the manner jar was for a list of names, including people who are not members of our family. As I was reading to my girls tonight, I switched off a little between her books and our baby girl's books. At one point I was about to read a second book of hers in a row, but she stopped me and reminded me it was her little sister's turn. I've always thought of her as my little angel since I stayed with her in the hospital while she had RSV as a baby and watched her always smiling at everyone despite her discomfort. It helped me keep perspective while I was stressing about law school. Now she's grown into our little guardian angel.