I have magic armpits

Every night when Alana goes to sleep I lay down with her. She curls up next to me and lays in my armpit, with her arm draped across me. Something about my pomegranate scented armpits puts children right to sleep.

It is one of the most perfect moments of my day. It makes me forget her occasional brattiness and most of her stubborn ways. Makes me forget that I'm forced to watch Max & Ruby 14 times a day. Or get 27 bowls of Honey Kix in the orange bowl. I almost forget that today I picked up 42 markers off the floor. And 102 crayons (I knew that giant box at Christmas time was a bad idea). I almost forget that last night at dinner when I made spaghetti and meatballs she wanted to eat Chef Boyardee. I forget how bratty she can be, because at that exact moment all I can think about is how much I love her, brattiness and all.

Sometimes she's bratty.

But then she goes to sleep and all is forgiven.