Tiny Tyrant

Wake up. Go to sleep. Wake up.

My toddler play this game whenever I'm tired and put my head down to rest. She wants me to be wake up.

I don't want to be alone.

I hear as I take three steps away from her.

I want to come with you.

A familiar refrain as I try to accomplish any task out of sight of my daughter.

Don't leave. I want to snuggle.

My attempts to leave her after a good-night kiss are met with this seemingly innocent request and often accompanied by claims of monsters.

Save me.

I want to eat on your lap.

Not that cup. The green cup with the blue lid. Not that one.

Put PJs right back on.

Life with a toddler means constant demands, a good chance of a mess and infinite possibilities for sweetness and laughter.

I'm going to push you over.

She laughs and whether I like it or not, my daughter is determined to make it happen.