My daughter scares me

I have long perceived that my daughter, the likely introverted one, is more likely to have a crafty side than her brother. In many ways, I am frightened by this, because I recognize it from myself, and therefore I know what to expect. Well, I know to expect that I won't be able to expect what she's able to hide from JM and me.

Tonight, E conned me for the first time. Just before story-time, N banged his head against the arm of the sofa, and so we gave him a cold-compress (that's shaped like a little cartoon child). E had an absolute fit: she wanted the "boo-boo". She shrieked and cried and demanded a series of things from JM before finally settling into our usual position: N on my lap on the rocking chair, E on the ottoman, lying on my legs.

Midway into the stories, N realizes he no longer has the "boo-boo" and climbs out of the chair. I get frustrated and declare that it is time for bed, and pick up E with her assortment of stuffed toys and security blankets and put her in her crib, and N looks around for the "boo-boo". I get on my knees and look, behind the chair, in between the cushions, around everywhere. "I don't know where it is, N. Where did you drop it?"

I am frustrated, and then start to look in E's crib. She starts to protest, and I slide my hand under her body just as she starts crying "I wanna hold it... I wanna hold it." The "boo-boo" is underneath her.

The usually nice, tranquil end to the evening is shattered.

I fear what's to come.