Stunning the Senses: Part Toddler, Part Monster, Part...Dog?

I'm convinced that my child is a rare breed of 13 month old little girls. She's very "normal" in terms of the obvious and assumed destructive nature of a 13 month old (the part monster). She also has that unbearable cuteness about her that every mother loves and adores, from the innocent smile to the pathetic (yet cute) cry when she doesn't get her way. The ever changing and evolving knowledge and understanding for life (the part toddler). The part that doesn't seem to fit the "norm" but the feature that I love SO much about her is the part...dog?!

We can all tell when Lily has had her fill of indoor entertainment. Believe me, you don't have to live with her long to figure out the signs. It begins with a general frustration towards all attempts at distraction and preoccupying. It's the part that follows the typical irritated, temperamental toddler that I love. She begins to frantically flounce about on an unwavering and slightly compulsive journey to find her jacket and hat. Once these items have been found (and believe me she'll go to any length to find them) she brings them to us and goes to the door. She'll then sit down, wait and point at the door.

Its become a bit of a routine for our weekday mornings. When we finally make it to the living room area of the house that usually means it is time for the jacket and hat and then its OUTSIDE! She becomes completely elated and overcome with enthusiasm. It speaks volumes for her love of the outdoors that, 1. She has a limited vocabulary (why talk when there's an older sister to do it for you) but she has mastered the complex word outside and 2. The weather is irrelevant to her. I am not exaggerating in the slightest (if anything I'm not even descriptive enough to express how serious this kid is about her outside time). We have suffered through harsh conditions, wind, freezing temperatures, rain and yes even sleet/snow (the little bit we got around here). All the while she has been minutely phased by such conditions. Much like a dog (and I say that in the most endearing and sincere way). No weather is so extreme for a dog or my daughter, that they don't still yearn for their outdoor enjoyment.

So to call her a toddler is an understatement...but that's what makes us love her even more. She helps encourage me to appreciate everyday, regardless of the weather.