Three-year-olds

Just wanted to say thanks to all you mamas for your kind, helpful suggestions and equally-as-helpful commiseration in regard to the somewhat willful and challenging behavior of three-year-olds. I am happy to report that this morning involved no tears on my part, and that dressing proved to be a success, helped in part by picking an outfit before bed last night. I really think that's something that will work for Selah. Of course, our morning did not remain completely incident-free as the "I'm-a-big-girl/I'm-a-little-girl" clash continued when I had an armload full of stuff but Selah wanted to be carried to the car. The tears came when I said i couldn't because I had full hands, and she crumpled to the floor, but my going to the door and heading outside caused her to quickly follow. We then arrived at school where she again became tearful--she transitioned into a Pre-K class about a week ago and has thus far been very excited about it, but this morning she was not feeling very confident and wanted to go back to her toddler class. Again, a happy smile and "big girl" encouragement and an imaginary "baby Godzilla" chase (living with boys has introduced her to Godzilla, who she for some god-awful reason appears to love) and discussion about how sad her Pre-K friends would be if she wasn't there proved fruitful.

Sometimes I am better at remembering than others the fact that growing up can be a very dichotomous endeavor--on the one hand, it is *very* exciting to grow up and "get" to do all of the fun stuff that big kids get to do; on the other, it is scary to leave the arms of the (literal and figurative) arms of your mama (and sad for us, as well)... Okay, I'll stop before I cry...

Thanks again, mamas!