Busy Little Toddlers Make for Very Busy Momma

I know most people would tell me "it is just the age," but I think Madeline's busyness is far from over because of her adventurous personality.  Her nickname as "Little Destroyer" holds truer today than it did a few months ago.  If I don't watch her 'like a hawk' (which every mom knows is nearly impossible to do if you want to get anything else done around the house) then she gets into some sort of trouble.  Trouble that often consists of playing in the toilet, eating toothpaste, drawing on Paul's desk or the couch, ripping books, 'playing' on the computer, or pushing a chair up to the counter and eating candy...but could easily be any number of things the mind could conjurer up.  She is definitely not one of those children you can tell once not to do something and they never try it again....I have never been blessed with such a child;)  Since she can't open doors yet (thank goodness), we try to keep bathrooms, offices, etc. closed, but if any of them are left open even for 2 seconds, she makes a b-line for the room and begins her destruction.  Our kitchen chairs are constantly left turned on their side to avoid her climbing on the table, but now she is learning to tip them back up and uses them to get things she wants that are normally too high for her.

Madeline sneaking candy on the counter

Maybe I am just getting lazy in my increasingly pregnant state, but that girl wears me out!  One day we were playing on the playground and Rose and Ava both wanted to try the monkey bars.  I helped them both across and turn around to find Madeline on the top rung of the ladder, barely holding on, wanting a turn next.  She does not realize that she is smaller than the other girls and physically just can't do everything they do.  And usually when we tell her 'no' or 'stop' she continues what she is doing more aggressively.  I guess that is most toddlers, though, right?!

Madeline putting on 'lipstick' with a permanent marker
(note: her sweet hair)

I think I might know where Madeline gets her mischievousness....her oldest sister.  Rose finds very creative ways to use her 'quiet time' in the afternoons.  Although she occupies herself very well, mom is not always so thrilled with the results.  The other day I went upstairs to tell her she could get up and this is what I found:

She managed to get every piece of clothing out of every drawer and scatter it around the room!  When asked what she was doing, she said she was just trying things on.  The not very fun part was 'clean-up' time, which of course at this age needs lots of parental supervision and direction.

I guess they say 'they're keeping me young' by keeping me on my feet, right?!  One thing is for certain...life with toddlers is never dull or boring:)  I truly wouldn't have it any other way!!!

Hugs!