I had a mom's dream fulfilled tonight! No, Maddy didn't put on her coat willingly before going outside. No, Maddy didn't love getting into her car seat. No, Maddy didn't pick up all her toys before bed (we're working on that little by little).
But she DID whine at me tonight!!! Why am I so happy about whining?!?! Because she was WHINING BECAUSE SHE WANTED TO EAT DINNER!!!! Yes, Yes, Yes! It's a first, honestly, it is. Tonight I made spaghetti squash marinara which she does like most of the time, but tonight she REALLY wanted it! She came into the kitchen and pointed to the stove where the sauce was simmering and said, "Eat dinner? Eat dinner!" So, I had to fend her off for 20 minutes while the squash finished up in the oven. After everything was done, and her bowl was made, blown off and cup up, her and I sat at the table and she CHOWED DOWN. No prompting. No reminders that it's dinner time. None of that! She just ATE. :)
Now, if she'd only go to sleep--she doesn't seem tired tonight. One thing at a time! I'm still relishing the dinner episode tonight!