Actually, Tanika, you must be kidding me.

In the last couple weeks, the boys have started saying phrases that remind me how much they're growing.

I overheard Dean looking for a toy, saying to himself, "Actually, I think it's over here."

Cary said to us last night, "You know what, y'all?" (Sidenote: Yes, Maryland is SOUTH of the Mason-Dixon line, people. So we say "y'all." And what?)

Dean has taken to calling me "Tanika."

And a couple days ago, I asked Cary to do something for me and he said, "No problem!"  So cute.

Not so cute? The time I asked him to pick up his toys and he said to me, "Are you kidding me, Mommy?"

No I am NOT kidding you, you little pipsqueak. Pick up your toys!  (That's what I said in my head. You can't really call kids "pipsqueaks" or else they'll repeat it to the people at CPS.)

Anyway, it cracks me up to hear them talking like big boys -- and it also (of course) makes me stop and take note of how fast they're growing. Sigh.  I remember when Cary used to stare up at the ceiling fan and say, "Dan!" That was just like seven seconds ago.

More importantly, it reminds Lester and me that we have to always be thinking about what we say around them. They are picking things up like wildfire these days.

What funny things are your kids saying?

P.S. Clair has become simultaneously more aggressive and more lovey-dovey in the last few months.
She whacks at us and her brothers all day long, and fusses at us non-stop. But she also hugs and kisses us -- and her stuffed animals -- ALL the time:

That's her kissing "Baby Beanie."

 I love that she is sweet AND feisty.

I have no doubt that this girl will be the kind to "lean in" when the time comes. So happy she's my sassy sweetie!