–and then I melted

 Maddie is starting to get quite the little attitude on her. I laugh when she says something snotty to me because I know at some point, she heard it from me and that is how she learned it. 

A few nights ago, I told her to eat her dinner. She was repeatedly getting down from the table and running around. I said, "Maddie, you need to get back to the table and finish your dinner please." Her response?

"Just chill, mama. Chill." 

Or 2 nights ago, pushing her on her tricycle in front of our house. She got off it and started just spinning the pedals. I asked her to get back on so we could finish her bike ride. Her response?

"Have patience with me!"

It has all made me very acutely aware of what I say to her, and how I say it. 

Last night, tucking her in to bed, I kissed her forehead, gave her a hug and told her I love her. Her response?

"I love you too. You’re my very precious baby. You’re so special to me."