She is taking it to a whole new level.
OK, Coti, bow your head and let’s pray. Before that, he must seat and say “Woof!Please”
Trapped and Entertained (hopefully)
See those peering eyes under her bed?
Daily, before “room time,” I read to Tot. We average about three or four books at this time, and today, while we were reading, Coti decided to get cozy under her bed. It was hard to pry him out of there during room time, so I left him in her room. Apparently, Tatum wanted him to learn to read as she had a pile of books next to him as she read him Frog and Toad.
I hope he enjoyed it (like he had a choice)!
Coti, Jesus is Calling!
Coti was held captive by Tatum’s reading of Jesus Calling, my devotional.
He did not really have a choice, so he decided to just listen. It’s a good thing she read the one about how all dogs go to heaven. 
Or did she just make that up?
Coti, where are you?
Tatum and I searched all over for the little guy? Where did he go?
Then, I see this two eyes peering from under her bed. He would not come out!?
Sometimes, the ringtone on my phone text scares him, and I thought the new one was safe (it’s a choo-choo train), but apparently not!
Tatum crawled under her bed to comfort him.
Then she figured she’d stay under there with him and her baby.
Now, I have two rug rats under there. HELP!
Reunited
It’s been pretty awesome to have my first born hang with me lately. He’s been sleeping in my room, and I couldn’t be more thrilled.
However, I think the best part is the fact that Tatum loves Coti so much. She being an “only” has produced some anxiety for me lately, I must admit. But she loves playing with him and throwing the ball. They play catch the ball and have the cutest camaraderie. I even saw her compassionate side poke out as Coti had to go to the Dr. for his foot. Supposedly he has allergies (like the rest of us), and he needed to eat more broccoli, cauliflower and pumpkin in his food. Seriously? She said also to never give him garlic, onion, or grapes. Sure… I’ll watch the dog’s spaghetti sauce intake with a side of luscious grapes!?
Anyway she loved on him like her own little brother. AND SHE EVEN let him wear her Minnie barrette! Now that is love.
Love these two cuddle bugs.
The Siblings
Tossing the green squeaky alligator, Tatum feels victorious with Coti catching it and running to get it. 
Coti only seems to drop it for Tatum. With everyone else, it’s keep away. Lucky girl!
Can a 20 month old be that powerful?
When it comes to overtaking my heart, Yes. When it comes to overtaking my heart as it breaks while she tests me, Yes. When it comes to overtaking my heart as it breaks as she CONTINUES to test me and I have to enforce tough discipline, Yes.
Why is it so hard? Because, my sweet compliant child all of a sudden transforms into an unrecognizable little _____. Then, I am faced with what do I do right now? Impulsively, I want to do something un-pretty and (maybe a bit) painful to her. My transformation becomes immediate as well. No longer am I the sweet silly mommy, but now, I turn into “THE ENFORCER.” The hard part is seeing her enjoy being a ____. This occurred after 4 timeouts upon not doing what I asked her to do and then throwing what I asked her not to throw. Eventually, she did what I asked and she, upon prompting, said she was sorry, and I gave her the biggest hug and kiss. Back to fun mommy. Over.
This scenario gave me ANOTHER reason why I’m so happy I’m with her more. It allows me to balance the fun with the necessary molding and shaping.
For example, this morning she had a blast taking babies for a ride in her shopping cart.
Then we went to church and PetSmart. She wanted to get Coti a toy, so she picked the Piggie
Very happy little guy after that, although the squeaker broke after about 30 squeaks, 15 minutes later. No wonder it was in the clearance box.
Whatever prompted the “occurrence de la testing” is unknown. She will continue to try to press her power buttons and find mine, but we will come through. With Jesus help! Amen.