I’ve given up on canned ravioli…that clown face is so difficult to remove afterward, even if she *does* really like it!

…Maya is reading a book and studying a card of paint samples.

Ah, mama’s girl.

Maya received an adorable outfit from her September Mommy Group buddy (thanks, Tiff and Austin!) — and she’s already tall enough to wear it! I swear, just a few weeks ago, I thought this one would stay on the shelf for months, but nooooo.

Note the position Maya takes on her house — climbing is her new “thing,” and if she can’t figure out how to get on top of something, she gets MAD.

The milk sign isn’t just for milk anymore — actually, now it’s rarely used for milk. More often than not, especially when it’s with two hands, and done so firmly as here, it’s all about the grub.

My child has become a snack-monster who’s in love with starch. I’m searching for more suitable munchies for her demanding appetite.

On the bright side, she’s also variably started to say “please” and “thank you.”

This is the face of a little girl who’s just been told that she’s hit her “Blue’s Clues” quota for the day.

Pathetic, no?

A: The number of pairs of underwear raided by Maya while I dried my hair.

What the heck is it with toddlers and panties, anyway? These days, it’s not enough that my laundry is folded and put away — she goes directly to the panty drawer and opens it herself.

Basenjis often have this odd thing they do, where they’ll stick their noses right up to your mouth until you breathe on them, so they can “see” what you’ve been eating. Katie doesn’t do this, but Clay (my more “typical” basenji) does.

I’m nibbling on some leftover Chicken Tikka Masala (yes, I’m weird, it’s 9am), and Maya asked for a bite. I gave her one, then Clay walked up to her. She started stepping backwards as he got closer and closer, then she finally broke into a grin and just went heeeehhhhh in his face. He was satisfied.

Some days, it’s like National Geographic around here.

My “baby” (22) cousin visited recently, bringing an adorable outfit from her and her older sister (who really should –ahem– visit too!).

It’s too big on skinny Miss, but still to-die-for.

After taking a deep drink from her Nuby, Maya lets out a long “ahhhhhhh,” um…just as her mother does after taking a drink of soda.