lovely summer preview

The past couple of days have been a nice change from the cold, snowy winter we have endured. I'm still holding my breath. I'm convinced there is more snow on the way. I think I am gun-shy because we would get some sun, pull out the capris and flip-flops and then 'boom', the rug was pulled out from under us...snow! Right now, it is in the 70's, light wind. Really nice.
We have started getting the popsicles out, walking to school every morning (or really making a go of it), and keeping the windows open more often. I love the birds singing and the tulips popping up. Lilly wants to stay outside all day. Max wants to usher her back in the house. "I can't be responsible for this little monster" he said, recently.
The "little monster" is getting better everyday, though. We see a little light at the end of the tunnel. She seems to be learning and behaving better and we're able to give her more of the independence she craves. She seems to be "getting" the unspoken contract of "if you behave we'll allow you to do __________". She seems to be responding well. The day before yesterday, she spelled her name! She wanted me to write her name on the bath tub wall with some bath paints. She said, "Mom, will you write my name. L-I-L-L-Y." I said, "What did you say? Did you just spell your name?" "L-i-l-l-y", she replied. I couldn't believe it! Two years old and she spells her name and counts to 13. She also recognizes some letters and colors. Max was never like this. (Although, I think Max is super smart!) I feel a little red-faced bragging about my kids like this. Since we are not genetically responsible for them I feel we have some license to brag. :)