Please?

Mary Clare will be two tomorrow, but because she is very advanced, she has been acting very two for quite while now. We discovered her stubborn streak pretty early on in our relationship. Even as a baby she was determined to do what she wanted when she wanted. Luckily, she is easy going most of the time, but when she is crossed about something she really cared about? Look out! She happens to have a set of lungs strong enough to equal her stubborness.

She also has a strength of will power I secretly admire. We have been working on making her say 'please' when she wants something. I know, we can be quite mean, but I think 'please' will serve her better in the world than grunting and pointing. The sweet puppy dog eyes and sheer cuteness factor really are good tools. But we don't want her to rely soley on her looks and charm, though I am sure they will work for many years to come.

Anyway, she absolutely refuses to say the magic word. We tempt her with ice cream and favorite books and toys, but the girl stands firm. We know she can say it because we have heard her say it before it times of complete desperation, but only once or twice. In any case I am not looking for clear elocution, just a 'pluh' or an 'eash' and I would gladly give in. Instead she cries with giant tears and loud wails. And if that doesn't work? She simply walks away. Yes, she will walk away from ice cream. See why I admire her willpower?