Taryn has taken it upon herself to inform us of all the goings-on in the world. Today I was making supper. Taryn was watching TV. She comes into the kitchen and says, "Mommy, there are diapers that help stop leaks so that babies feel more comfortable. Mommy, we have a baby." (Pause while she watches me unsuccessfully trying to stifle a chuckle.) "Mommy, when you laugh at me I feel embarrassed."

I explained that sometimes adults find things that kids say funny. She left the kitchen and I followed her to reassure her that that happened to me, too, when I was a kid. I hugged her. She said, "Can you go back in the kitchen now?"

Sometimes she seems to be turning 13 at her next birthday.