But do I really love them?

Really?

I think the story that follows took place on MLK Jr day. There was no school that day, and I'd taken the girls sledding. But getting them both dressed and out the door was a little difficult (it's always difficult to get everyone all dressed, pottied, bundled up, etc), and their hair is so long that it MUST be braided if they're going to go outside, otherwise it tangles right up in their hats and jackets.

Well, I was calling for Nina to come so I could braid her hair, and Maggie jumped in front of her, and I guess (according to her highness) that I spoke with a bit of a harsh tone when I told her to go get her boots on for the thousandth time.

We eventually got out the door, had a blast sledding, and I forgot all about the reprimand. Of course, Maggie didn't. Not long after we got home, she got sad.

"Moms who love their kids don't yell at them."

Sigh... I just love that I can spend the day pulling her sled up a hill, but she fixates on the one little harsh exchange.

First I had to figure out what she was talking about. She finally told me. I told her of course I love her! I love her more than anything!

I'll give you the short version, but there were tears, and "how do I really know?"s, and "just tell me the truth" and "Really? Ok... but... HOW CAN I KNOW?!"

Hours and hours of this. Tears. Me trying to explain that at some point, you just have to believe a person. That she could look to my years and years of love and care, and all the times I've been there for her, and dressed her, and fed her, and played with her, and took care of her when she was sick, and and and...

By the end of the day, I was near tears.

And then finally (you know it's coming)

"Maybe, if you gave me a spoonful of sugar, I would know."

At this point, I was so desperate for her to believe me that, yes, I fed her sugar straight from the bag.

"And candy"

Sure kid, whatever you want. Just stop doubting my love.

"And grapefruit with sugar on top"

Some might say I was manipulated. Could she be that good? I don't know. All I know is, the teenage years just have to be easier than this!