Just today...

1) Climbing up behind Ford as he sat at the table working on the computer, Amelia wrapped her arms around him and hugged his back..."Dad, you're my favorite guy."

2) Ford had left the weather channel radar open on the computer this afternoon...Amelia spotted it, climbed up on the chair and studied it in silence for a few minutes, then announced, "Yup, it's gonna rain." Ford replies from the kitchen, "Oh really? Is that what the forecast says." Quick as a blink she replies, "No. It's the five-cast."

3) Tonight I ventured out to Target on own, yes, absolutely, kid-less, leaving Ford alone with the girls. Evie has become a bit of a mama's girl and thus making alone time with her a bit hard on Ford. He spends most of their time together holding her while he bounces around the house repeating, "Shh, shh, shhhh. Shh, shh, shhhh." All this to keep her from crying. Apparently, Amelia was more than patient the entire time I was gone and found ways to entertain herself...despite her many efforts to get Ford to play with her. "Dad, do you want to play a game with me now?" He had turned her down so many times already because of Evie's neediness and he was feeling bad about having to reject her once again. "I'm sorry, Bug, I just can't right now." By now, bed time is approaching for both girls and he moved to Amelia's room to attempt to rock Evie in the rocking chair. As he rocked the fussy baby, he noticed Amelia getting some things out of her closet. He was about to get impatient with her for pulling out more toys, "Amelia, let's not get anything else out right now, it's time for bed."

With her back to him she did not stop her task and she quickly replied, "I'm packing my bags."

Surprised, he asked her, "Packing your bags?? Where are you going?" In a firm and serious tone, "I'm packing my bags and I'm moving to Florida." Laughing to himself a little, he played along, "To Florida!?? Do yo know anybody who lives there?" Still so serious Amelia said, "Well, no...but it's just so beautiful there." (She's never been). Ford replied, "Well, we would really miss you if you moved to Florida."

Wanting to get her point across but clearly not wanting us to be sad about her absence, she replied, "Well, I'll only be gone for one day."

Her first attempt at running away because little sister was getting all the attention? I think so. Glad she decided to stay. :)