Pain Medication

I have determined that completing the graduate thesis (or in my case, the culminating graduate research project) has to be about the most painful, educational process EVER.  I will do it.  I will complete it.  But I will kick and scream and suffer the whole way through it.  I am excited to complete my project.  I am just not too excited to write the five chapters plus appendices that must accompany the aforementioned project.

Alright.  Not too excited is an understatement.

On the brighter side, Elisabeth's little toddler personality has provided me much pain relief as I undertake this ordeal.  Here are just a few things that keep me smiling as I pound out yet another chapter:

• Collector:  Beth has turned into quite a collector.  She is not happy with ONE of anything.  She had to carry around TWO blankets and all ten of her little Disney books that her Grandpa Mimi sent her to her babysitter's today.  I have considered buying her a back pack to carry around her treasures.
• Naming:  When we asked her two weeks ago what her name was, she answered "Baby."  Oops.  Our bad.  Now, she insists her name is "Beth."  So, Beth it is (though we still call her Elisabeth and Baby Bear more often than not.)
• The Apple:  Doesn't fall too far from the tree.  Elisabeth, for better or worse, takes after me.  Determined, passionate and sensitive. Not to mention a Type A through and through.  I got up out of bed yesterday to find her playing around in the shower.  I told her it was time to get out and she answered with "Mama.  Go to bed."  Whoa!  Where did that sass come from?  After we laughed and sufficiently parented, she asked for a kiss, said she was sorry and then left the shower.  A+ for verbal skills.   C- for manners.
• Lil' Chef:  To keep her entertained while I cook, I have her fill in the role as sous chef.  We will put on our matching aprons, which she finds pleasing to no end, pull up a chair, and cook together.  She loves to "season" what I am making with as many spice bottles I will let her handle. And she especially loves to taste what we are making.  As long as I don't use anything loud, such as the hand mixer, she couldn't be happier to "help" out.

Well, enough of my creative avoidance.  I hope to post pictures soon.