a lesson in vocabulary

As I begin this new chapter as author, I feel compelled to start with apologies. For not writing sooner, for not sending photos, and for changing the appearance...again. Rest assured, the previous entries are below and if anyone wants to see old photos of Maggie, I have included a link on the right to her old blog. As for not writing or sending photos sooner, I have made a promise to myself that if I don't start blogging I must make a scrapbook. Heavens knows that will never happen so I can say with some certainty that you will be getting more blog entries.

About a week ago, Maggie, Henry and I were running errands. When we got out of the car, a foul smell overwhelmed us.
Without thinking, I spouted out, "Oh dear, Maggie, that smells like diarrhea!"
As the words left my mouth I knew I had made a horrible mistake. Maggie is a typical 2 year old. She repeats every word you say. The less you want her to say a particular word, the more she repeats it. The unfortunate part about having a very articulate 2 year old is that those same words are clearly understood by 90% of adults. I thought, just don't say it again.  Pretend I never said it.
But then the questions came, "Diarrhea, what's that?" 
Don't answer, play dumb! But no.
"Diarrhea is a runny poop," I answered.
"Runny poop, what's that?"
Oh dear, this has gone from bad to worse. I tried to recover.
"It is just like poop but smells bad," I said.
"Ooh, diarrhea."
I was terrified. Where was this word going to surface? But then, 2 days past and no mention of the word. Thank goodness. A few days ago we were walking to the grocery store. They had just laid down some fertilizer near the sidewalk for the trees, bushes and spring flowers.
I mentioned in a low almost inaudible tone, "Wow, that smells."
And it did. I really didn't think much of it. Ahead of us was an older man walking very slow.
As we past him Maggie yells, "He does smell like diarrhea, mommy."
And there is was. Mortified but laughing I scooped up Maggie and ran as fast as I could into the store. I didn't discipline her. In fact, I never mentioned it again.
Here are some pictures over the last few weeks: