Is there a stage in childhood characterized by the asking of a bajillion questions per day? If so, I believe we are firmly in it.

And I’m not just talking about “Why?” I’m talking about things like:

“What is eight times four?”

“Is infinity bigger than googolplex?”

“If I swim like this [flails arms frantically], can I get away from a Great White shark?”

“Why is one of your eyes bigger than the other?” [I have also wondered this]

Or even, “Mommy, are you good at taking care of  things?” (The answer is obviously Um YES, kid. Just look at the crumbs all over this kitchen floor.)

Anyhow, I always try to keep a little running mental list of all the craziness that happens in our household daily, not only to regale you with–you know, to assure you that you’re not alone in your own little family circus–but also because I love having little snapshots of the kids’ innocence at this very adorable stage we are in right now.

We have a 5, 3 and 1 year old, and I can say with certainty that I’m not sure it will get any crazier, but on the other hand any cuter, than these moments that are unfolding in our house daily.

Don’t confuse that with “it’s easy,” because it is decidedly Level Wackadoo daily in my household, but when I take a step back from the chaos, I have been finding myself trying to soak in these little moments as they are happening. I know that far too soon, we will be out of this roller coaster ride of a stage, and I will miss all of its attendant craziness dearly.

Don’t confuse that with “it’s easy,” because it is decidedly Level Wackadoo daily in my household, but when I take a step back from the chaos, I have been finding myself trying to soak in these little moments as they are happening. I know that far too soon, we will be out of this roller coaster ride of a stage, and I will miss all of its attendant craziness dearly.

So, with no apparent pattern or grouping, a few little sweet things that I have taken note of lately. I’d love to hear from other parents and see what crazy things your kiddos are asking–or telling–you.

• When asked to say “Mama,” the baby will look you square in the eye, smirk (I swear), scream “DADA!” instead, and then laugh. (They learn defiance so early.)
• My son (5) and daughter (3) singing the “Johnny Johnny” song in call-and-answer fashion from the back seat of the van, and laughing hysterically
• My daughter whispering to him, as they are snuggled together watching the iPad, “Do you love me, Sammy?” and him whispering back, “Yes!!”
• The baby taking the cap off of my black liquid eyeliner and eating the whole damn thing. And then having a cute little baby mustache.
• The nights my three-year-old asks if I can lie nose-to-nose with her as she goes to bed so she can “fall asleep looking at you, mommy.” Sob.
• My son asking, “How many pre-cents does my iPad have left?” See also: “Netflix” being “Neck-flicks” and “restaurant” being “ren-straunt.”
• The baby picking my nose, smacking my chest, or doling out some other form of corporal punishment while I nurse her down to sleep

The list goes on, but man, I don’t want to forget these little nuggets of awesome that are tucked firmly into the craziness of each day. Here’s to finding the sweetness in the chaos.

And now some pictures from around these parts these days!

Just me and my Middle

#1 and #3–my delayed twins–sharing a little floorside snug

They are now getting old enough to grab my phone and take pictures :O

I swear to you the baby chose her own dress this day. It went something like this: She walked into her sister’s closet, pointed to this dress and went, “Aaaaah!” and then smiled. So it begins…

The Morning Smile

Sonni Abatta is a wife, a mom of three and a writer who runs this Orlando lifestyle and mom blog, and – despite the frequency with which she seems to do it – someone who does not actually enjoy writing about herself in the third person.

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