With the rough schedule at work the past couple of months and preparations for our recent family vacation, we did not have a chance to take Kayleigh in for her 2 year well-baby until last week. 

We knew it was going to be an easy check-up.  For once, no vaccinations were needed.

The girls were in especially great moods and were goofing around the doctor's office while we waited.

I loved watching the two sisters together.  The non-stop chattering, giggling, sharing of books and toys, teasing, and goofing around was exactly what I had always hoped for in a sister-sister relationship between Abby and Kayleigh.  As Kayleigh gets older, the two of them are becoming closer friends. 

I feel satisfied that we did something right as parents by giving them each other. 

Our Silly Girls

Kayleigh is doing great developmentally.  The only issue we brought up with Dr. Bublitz that she felt warranted a book recommendation was regarding how to deal with Kayleigh's excessive stubbornness.  Yes, we were reminded that she's 2 and this is a natural phase where she's realizing there are boundaries.  To help her develop a better sense of confidence, though, we need to enforce those boundaries.  Kids need those boundaries.  They feel more secure knowing that the world operates with boundaries.  But what is the best way to set our expectations and help the stubborn kid understand and respect them?  We were directed to the psychologist, Dr. Thomas Phelan's parenting philosophy and book(s), 1-2-3 Magic.  No arguing, no yelling, no whooping. 

Supposedly a very logical and compassionate approach to dealing with difficult behavior.  Dr. Bublitz gave a quick summary - during a tantrum, explain what you expect of them, then giving them to the count of 3 to turn things around.  With consistency in carrying out "punishment," such as a time-out, when you reach the count of 3, kids learn to respond quickly.  Funny enough that Paul and I have been using what we've called the counting method as a means to discipline Abby and it DID work like a charm with her.  Kayleigh has not responded as well, though.  With each count, she shouts back, "NO!" and continues her bad behavior.  So, it would be worth checking out the book and hearing what the clinical arguments are in supporting the disciplining method we have been using and figuring out how to get through to our Kayleigh!