Tomorrow, apres swim lessons, we are going to drive 1 and 1/2 hours to visit my dear friend Lala and her beautiful family. I shall reveal neither their names nor their location, but they do have a big, beautiful new house that I can’t wait to go drool all over and get my po’ folk germs on. We’d like to bring some sort of house-warming type of gifty, but I think they’re going to have to settle for a birthday gift that is a mere 5 months overdue. Which isn’t to say that we didn’t buy it til now - oh, we bought it on time…we just didn’t give it on time.

It shall be Bon Bon’s longest road trip thus far, but I am not too worried. He’s such an easy baby, far older than his 2 months and 1 week of life should allow. Last night the precious boy actually slept for six. hours. in a row. Six hours! Queenie didn’t attempt such a feat until she was nearly 3 years old. Boy-o does often treat us to such respite, at nearly 22 months old, but it is never assumed. So apparently third time really is the charm.

Truth be told, I am far more worried about Queenie’s behavior. She is our…challenging child… Let’s just say I’m speed reading Parenting the Strong-Willed Child these days. Over and over again. Would someone kindly stop by and tell her to knock it off already? She adores Lala’s children and asks to visit them often. But her interactions with her peers lately have left something to be desired. Her preschool teachers thought she was right on track, so maybe it’s normal and I should just relax. She’s just so rude. How could I, a woman who reads Emily Post for fun, have such a rude child? Or is this just how 5 1/2 is supposed to be? Give me some perspective people!