Opal at 29 Months

Opal loves snacks, and she likes to say after eating something, "I ate it all up!  It's in my belly!"  In clockwise order from top left below: Opal licking the chocolate icing that got on the foil cover of some left over chocolate cake that Will's aunt sent us home with - we don't waste chocolate at our house - Opal smearing melted chocolate covered raisins on her stroller tray (when will we learn that this is not a good summer snack), and Emma sharing an apple with Opal in a box.  Because apples eaten in boxes with a sister just taste better.

Opal loves being out and about and interacting with people outside of her family.  Quarantine has been tough on her.  Here she is below, introducing her beloved black cat stuffed animal named Meow Meow to Charlie.  In the next photo, she is at the library, sitting next to her favorite statue that is now fitted with a face mask - such a great photo to show the times.

Opal loves painting, she loves playing with her sisters, she loves playing with her play kitchen with us, and she loves playing games with us.

Opal is not the most snuggly kid, but when she does snuggle us, we soak up every moment.  Here she is below, snuggling her Daddy, and one of her mommies, Lucy.

It is interesting when I think about what the future holds for this youngest child of four girls.  She has a sense of humor, and loves to make us laugh.  When we were outside the other day, she said, "Lucy, that bug farted on my face."

To get Opal to do anything that isn't her idea, we find ourselves having to make deals with her.  When she is finally okay with the compromised solution, she will say, "Deal."  There is some serious relief when a deal is reached.

Lastly, I have noticed that Opal is very sensitive to her family member's emotions.  If a sister is sad, she will go to them and ask them why the are sad, and give them a hug and offer things like kleenex or an ice pack or her stuffed animal.  It is super sweet, and I believe is an unexpected benefit of being the youngest of four sisters - there are a lot of emotions and feelings in our house, and Opal seems to understand them all.  My favorite thing that she says now when she is upset or things aren't going her way is, "I'm super frustrated!"  Such a big word, but she uses it in spot on scenarios.

Opal is almost half way through being two years old.  Where is the time going!  We love you Opal!