I'm Not Buying What You're Selling

Lately I have been working really hard to put aside my competitive nature and come to grips with the fact that Taryn might just be our own little Leo the Late Bloomer...I mean, she's like her father in every other way, so this shouldn't be a surprise...I kid!...we all know he's about to pass his board exam with flying colors...but seriously....he couldn't even read until 2nd grade!! (I will deny this comment was ever made if any of you squeal!)
It's just been a little tricky to go from a self-motivated little sponge like Brody, to...well....Taryn! She refuses to do ANYTHING for herself except those tasks which wreak havoc on my house and my sanity!
She is strong enough and well balanced enough to walk from one end of the house to the other...we've all seen her do it without a single bobble...but what life-changing milestone does my 13 month old decide to throw ALL her motivation behind?.........spoon-feeding herself at every meal!! But Lindsay...(you might ask)...can she even hold a spoon level?...of course not...SHE'S ONLY 13 MONTHS OLD!! So now I have a kitchen floor that looks like the crime scene after a turf war between Chef Boyardee and the Jolly Green Giant. I have Bing's vet telling me that I need to put him on a diet that DOESN'T consist of table scraps. And I have a perfectly self-satisfied baby that I literally take outside and hose off three times a day!...but she couldn't possibly be expected to walk or communicate using words other than Mama, Dada, ouch and the ever popular shrill shrieking! Her unique combination of unwavering determination and lack of product had me stumped. Is she a late bloomer or is she just playing us all?
Well, today I got my answer. Brody has been at Bible camp all week, so Taryn and I have had to rush out the door after lunch to pick him up at noon everyday. On this particular day, I slung my purse over my shoulder and yelled goodbye to Scott (who's been studying every morning for his big test). As I come around the corner with the intent to swoop up Taryn and rush out the door, I am met by a perfectly poised and toddling princess walking to the door! Now, how did I know that she was a princess? Why - it was written clear as day across the tiny pink purse she had slung over her shoulder before she headed for the door!!