What must the neighbors think?

I often find myself wondering what the neighbors think of me -- or better yet, my "skills" as a mother. My child really does have a mind of her own, and most days it is better for me just to "go with the flow" than make waves. I have grown to be alright with the theory 'if she isn't hurting herself or others...don't fight it'...

So, many days you will see her parading through the neighborhood in nothin' but a diaper or better yet, her ballerina costume. She has come out of her shell A LOT in the past year, and will often scream "Hewow" and give her best princess wave to all of the neighbors who happen to be outside (fully and normally clothed) doing their yardwork and trying not to stare at her display. She is a trip, to say the least. And as I had mentioned before, her listening skills are going down the crapper fast. I often find that I am talking to myself -- a very frustrating habit. Last week I had such an exasperating day with her! We went to the store and she immediately ran off, leaving me to chase her and call out her name repeatedly with NO response. I had to pretend that I wasn't losing my mind in front of the other shoppers...Lily was lucky we had an audience. When we got home it was more of the same for the remainder of the day. She didn't take a nap, so I gave her a bath early and wanted to get her in her PJs for an early bedtime -- I was kidding myself. After her bath she proceeded to run around the house naked and screeching like a crazy person. Here I am feebly calling "Lily, please come here like a good girl...Lily come here please...Lily I need you to be a good listener for mommy..." (all things she had heard me say numerous times throughout the day). After several minutes of no reply I sighed VERY loudly and put my head in my hands. I was DONE. Right on cue, Lily crept up to me and put her hands on my cheeks, cupping my face, and got right on my level and very sweetly and softly said "I pwomise to be a good wistener momma" and then laid down for me to put on her diaper and jammies.

Never a dull moment around here, folks. This child is part sugar/ part spice! Gotta love her. I sure do!