Over the holidays my son taught the Kiddo to tie her shoes. Within two days her mother or other grandmother bought her velcro tennis shoes. So... we are back at not tieing shoes again.

Everything is a step.. lots of hard work to teach her those basic fundamental things a five year old should know. Today, with me hovering over her she for the most part brushed her teeth by herself. I mean brushed not suck the toothpaste off the toothbrush and call it good.

Her hair, still gets into her eyes. It seems to me that the lady didn't cut the bangs far enough over. Or maybe it's just the kiddo and her hair?? Brushing is hit and miss still but she's learning.

As for what motivated the mother to bring her home and not keep her overnight on a school night? Not even my son knows... he opened the door said hello to his daughter and the mother was already scurrying off the porch. I'm not sure if this is his intention but it almost sounded like she couldn't wait to drop the Kiddo off.

In this world the kiddo is no longer simply there she is a part of our worlds. You can't simply turn the television on anymore and call it good. She's learning, she's thriving and this past few weeks she's been quicker to smile than she has been to have a tantrum.. and if she does start a tantrum?? What used to last hours of pure viciousness... kicking, screaming, breaking things, hurting... the last one? She went and lay on her bed and cried for a couple minutes then came back out in a better mood.