Life with a 3 Year Old

Everyday there are things that remind me that I should have made different choices in my past so that I could be better prepared to deal with a 3 year old.  Things such as:

• Majoring in Theater vs. Psychology-one would think that out of all the children psychology classes I took, I could utilize things I learned.  Nope, should have majored in theater, I play pretend more then I face reality.
• On the same note, I should have studied improv- at all times you have to be able to think on your toes.  No longer does “because I said so” work.  With a 3 year old, not only do they want to know why, they want to know why to the why!
• Life is a game-especially to a 3 year old.  It doesn’t matter if it is just eating your dinner, if they can turn it into a fit of giggles and laughter, they are going to.
• Goodbye sweetness & Hello to sassiness-I have had many people tell me I tell it like it is a lot more then I used to.  I actually got told today at work, I am not nearly as much of a pushover.  I am proud of this fact, seriously, it was kind of a problem.  My question is, does it all begin as a 3 year old?  We still have moments of sweetness, but there is a lot more sassiness.
• Independence-I am not talking about the upcoming 4th of July either.  I am talking about everything from getting dressed to “I do it, Mommy” to buckling herself into the car seat (which by the way, she does, but doesn’t ask for help until you are completely buckled in yourself and you have to turn into a combination of Gumby and Stretch Armstrong just to get her buckled in safely)
• There is a pecking order in my house-It goes as follows: Mommy & Daddy, Gracie, Daisy & Harley.  I did not choose this.  It has been mandated by the princess in our house.  Gracie has made it her life's calling to boss the dogs around. 
• Realizing that she is no longer a baby-WAIT!  What?  I have no idea what you are talking about!  My daughter, who no longer fits into 3T jeans, talks non-stop, has a little bit of an attitude, and only gives hugs and kisses on her terms, is not a big girl.  She is still a baby, right?  Ok, I will give you toddler…maybe.  Denial, maybe?
• My life has never been more exciting, fulfilled, and happy-I thank God everyday that I have a little girl to make me laugh and give those hugs.  That I have a loving husband beside me that makes each day even better because I get to share it with him.  It might be just a little crazy, a lot chaotic, but my life is just right in my book!