We Love Lucy

And she loves us. She told each of us so this past week as she gave out hugs. She also can say "Grandma," "Pop," and a bunch of other words:

• Momma, Daddy, Sister, Riley, Lucy, Kitty (meow), again, chocolate milk, no, um-hmm, puzzle, toys, book, shirt, pants, shoes, coat, hat, scissors, pencil, paint, paper, hup-two (when going up stairs), stars, bath, soap, bubbles, light, blanky, fish, pizza, chips, carrot, cracker, noodles, soup, (you get the idea).

She also used the word "frustrated" accurately the other day.

She really is learning to communicate well. She is as determined as Riley ever was about getting what she wants. She knows rule number one and can cite it when asked: "Do no harm." I don't think she knows what that means, though, as she has taken to pulling Riley's hair, pinching her with her fingernails, and occasionally biting, when things get really ugly. Fortunately, though, this is a rare occurrence.

Her mouth is filling up with teeth, as well, which may account for the bouts of bad temper. Her hair is getting longer; it is well past her shoulders. She's learning how things work and what the rules are. The other day, Shawn took Riley out to see the full moon, which was large and beautiful in the uncharacteristically clear January night sky. When they came back in through the back door, Lucy yelled, "Pop!" and ran with her arms out, hoping to embrace her Grandpa (whom we call "Pop"). Alas, it was only Daddy, but she gave him a big hug anyway.

And speaking of moons, Riley now offers to tell us "Butt Stories." She will say, "Wanna hear a Butt Story?" and if you say yes, she turns around, pulls down her pants and waves her butt at you, yelling, "Here's your Butt Story!!!" If you know us well enough, you may already know where she learned this little trick.

Riley also asked me to "Introduce her" before she came out to sing karaoke on her new Kidz Bop karaoke machine. For those of you who can remember way back when, Courtney used to request the same and it's been a family saying for years. "Introduce me!"

Riley is quite an influence on Lucy and Lucy is such a sponge. They are both so sweet and smart; I'm very lucky.