I found Hattie in mommy’s bathroom with three bottles of nail polish and a bottle of nail polish remover and one makeup pad already doused in polish remover. She was irritated, because, according to her, she put too much remover on the pad. The interesting thing is that all of these are kept locked in the vanity. Now I know what you are thinking, she is three years old, those little spring child latches are no match for her. Well, in this case you are correct, however, her skills run a little deeper.

The vanity cabinet has a lock that is opened by a magnet. The cabinet doors don’t open at all, not even a crack without the little magnet key. Furthermore, there isn’t a big bulls eye painted on the cabinet doors to tell you where to place the magnet key. You have to slide the key across the face of the cabinet until you hear a distinct click that signals that the lock is unlatched. Then, while still holding the key in place you can grab the edge of the cabinet door to open it.

Yes, Hattie again showed me later that evening how the key works. Don’t ever underestimate what your child can do and certainly don’t underestimate how long it will take them to find trouble.

It is hard for mom and dad to believe. This morning, mom, dad, and Jameson gave her presents consisting of approximately 50% “lipstick”. This consisted of lip gloss, lip balm, chapstick, etc.. Fill out the presents with a couple of blinged out purses to hold her makeup and she is one happy little girl.

• Pants with elastic waist – no jeans – (Old Navy fits) – size 4T
• Barbie DVDs: check out website (just save receipt

  http://www.amazon.co/gp/series/73272/ref=pd_serl_dvd?ie=UTF8&edition=dvd

  ** She already owns the Barbie Island Princess and Barbie Mermaidia. She is getting Barbie Mariposa for her b-day from Angie.
  ** She does not have the Barbie Diamond Princess.)

• Long sleeve shirts – 5T or 6 (please NO pink or purple)
• New Pajamas – she usually wears Carters brand –size 5T – with feet in them. Or two piece PJs – size 5 or 6X.
• Girlie Notebooks/small journals – she loves to draw/write
• Fun WASHABLE pens or small markers
• Fun bathtub toys/ Princess Bubble Bath/hooded bath towel
• Girlie Crayola Wonder Markers and Coloring book
• “Wellies” – rainboots – she wears a size 11 ½ shoe
• Picture book : Have You Filled A Bucket Today?
  (See Amazon website)

  http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_b?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Have+You+Filled+Your+Bucket+Today%3F&x=0&y=0

Her bright intellect along with her winning smile would have made a fine addition to their classroom. Alas it is not to be. I can only reflect on the possibility that this may not be her last rejection letter. Where have we failed as parents? Will she get into college? We are relieved in the end that we did not tell her of our request to send her to Olentangy’s preschool. At least she is not aware that she fell so very short.