I hope that we’ve established by now that Julianna is wise beyond her years. Her remarkable words about heaven are what started my quest to share her with the world. She teaches me to embrace joy instead of giving into fear.

J’s wisdom is not limited to the profound. This girl knows that there is a certain way to do things, and she is not afraid to deliver her opinions. For example,

Be direct but kind

Julianna tells us she loves us at least ten times per day. Sometimes it’s tactical.

Background: Moving J from sitting to laying down is complicated – there are tubes and lines to watch. It’s one of the main things that a new caregiver has to learn.

March 2015

Today I moved J from the chair to the couch. It was awkward.

J: Are you training?

Later that night, I ask her about  her comment. She avoids eye contact and says:

J: Mom, I love you!

Take care of your face

April 2015

I try to wipe Julianna’s face with a baby wipe. She refuses.

J: They’re for bums. And trash cans.

And Don’t Forget your Neck

Dec 2015. Bedtime with J. I’m bent over her at an awkward angle.

J: Your neck is wrinkled!

M: I can’t help it. I’m old.

J: You have to help it. Help it!

M: How?

J: Don’t bend your neck.

Sometimes cute requires sacrifice 

Everyone in our house has a big cranium.

(High school flashback: It’s a few weeks before graduation, and I’m being fitted for my cap and gown, and it’s not fun. The principal tries to make me feel better. “Some football player” has a cap size bigger than mine.)

There’s no way around it: the headband and tiara industries are sizeist. Julianna refuses to be excluded.

Last week, I picked up a cute headband for J.

J: I love it!

M: You won’t be able to wear it for very long, Julianna. It’s tight.

J: C’mon mom. I’m tough!

Aug 2015.

Accessorize!