i can do it myself!!

at one time or another (or every day) a mother of a toddler has heard the words--"i can do it myself!" from the lips of their little ones. amelie loves to help take care of the baby but wants to do everything herself--that means hold the baby without mama's help (even though at any given moment she may get distracted by a toy or the wind or something and jump off the couch without giving a care to where the baby may land).
my dear sweet amelie is fairly certain that she can also feed the baby herself. now, this wouldn't be a problem if i were bottle feeding but as i am breastfeeding there are some decided problems with her plan to help. yesterday, i was on the couch feeding the baby and amelie became very indignant and said, "mama, i can do it myself!" and proceeded to lift her shirt and pointed to the "feeding equipment." oh man, that was the best laugh i have had in a long time! i needed that! i lovingly explained that only mommy's can feed the baby this way and she said, "mommy, i have boobies, i can do it myself!" the mind of toddlers, it's the best!
meanwhile, in baby land, maeve has rebelled against all forms of sleeping. we've had 2 long nights (that's what i get for congratulating her on her really good night!) and are in for 2 more long nights since daddy is m.i.a. it's a good thing she's delicious because i'm starting to lose my appetite for all night soirees.