Typical Toddler Behaviors

String Bean has been exerting her independence lately, which I'm told (and I read) is typical behavior of a two-year old. Here are some examples:

• No longer am I allowed to button her jacket.
• Nor unbutton it.
• Shoes are apparently up to the wearer to pick and put on.
  
• And take off.
  
• If I give String Bean two choices of dresses to wear, she will chose neither. It is as if she is saying, "I need options, Mom!" (I had my best success when I laid 9 dresses on her bed and sent her into her room alone to pick out one.)
• When told, "You are wearing your monkey pajama pants," a toddler remembers that she has 2 pairs of monkey pajama pants. No matter which one I pull out, it would be the wrong one. Tears follow.
  
• Although coloring is a favorite activity, if it is my idea, String Bean isn't interested...until 15 minutes later.
  
• Leaving the house has become a chore. "I need this," is the common cry I hear as String Bean goes around the house picking up random objects and toys to take along on the quick run to pick up the babysitter.
  
• Don't get me started on accessories.
  

Monday Night Football

We are watching Monday Night Football - Washington Redskins versus Philadelphia Eagles. Since the game is at the Redskin's stadium, FedEx Field, the Redskins logo is painted in the middle.

String Bean firmly believes the Redskins logo is the picture of a monkey, just like the monkeys on her pajamas. So, we heard our fair share of monkey noises tonight.