Five Going On Fifteen

Lily is having a stubborn streak once again. There's lots of moping, pouting, stomping, and little outbursts around here, and I honestly can't wait for this phase to pass; but no matter how challenging it is right now, there are moments that make me incredibly prout of our little girl.

Monday morning was not Lily's day. She got up in a very foul mood, and decided that she did not want the cereal Daddy had prepared for her breakfast. She complained and tantrumed, without success. She ended up pushing the bowl of cereal across the table, making a good deal of mess, and stomping back into her room smashing the door. I was more than annoyed (can you say 5 going on 15??), but didn't have time to sit down and talk to her as the bus tends not to wait for me.

When I came home in the evening, I was met by a very happy Lily. She's had fun in kindergarten and playing in her pool in the afternoon. She hugged me as soon as I walked in the door and apologized for her behavor in the morning. I was surprised, hugged her back and told her that everything was fine. But I was really surprised when I heard what had happened that morning after I had left. While Richard was in the shower, she came out of her room, cleaned up the mess on the table and when Richard was coming back, he found her sitting at the table, eating her breakfast. She went up to him and apoligized for her behavior.

I have to say, I'm proud of her. Yes, she still has to work controlling her impulses, but she's 5. She has the skills to sit and calm down, analyse her behavior, and draw her consequences from it. She got some extra hugs and cuddles after the entire story came out.

PS: I got a cute little clay owl as a surprise gift from her today. So excited about it  ;-)