She may be cute, BUT...

We have a "biter" on our hands! And yes, I do realize that she is a bit young to develop such a terrible habit. But it's true. And I have a mark on my shoulder to prove it.

Last night, she started by biting the couch. But I soon realized that she doesn't stop at the initial bite. She then clenches her teeth together and forcefully pulls until the victimized item gives way and separates from her grip. I was able to refocus her attention onto something other than the couch...but only for a very short while. It was then that she started to face plant herself into the carpet and attempt to bite it, as well.

YES-YES...this is a true story!

I tried so hard to discipline her but her big eyes were full of mischief and secretly, I found that look to be rather cute. I even caught myself giggling as I looked down at her and saw this innocent face smiling back at me. But then...she leaned over into my shoulder and bit me! I immediately gave her booty a soft swat and said in a firm voice, "NO-NO, Rylie. We do not bite!" And as she leaned into my chest (for what I thought was going to be an apologetic hug)...she bit me again!

This raises a few questions...how soon do you start truly disciplining your babies and to what extent?!

Brian and I haven't even brought up the issue of discipline and how it will be handled in our home. And now, we're quickly trying to figure it out because we do not want our child to be the one who gets kicked out of every daycare for biting. But oh my goodness...what if she is?! She does have a tendency to not listen.

For example: she loves to make a mess out of Griffey's food and water dishes. And because Griff has already taken a back seat to Rylie...I'm firm on the fact that I do not want to move his dishes because they have always been in "that spot!" But the girl will not take "no-no" for an answer.

This has become a constant routine of ours:

Rylie...crawls over to dishes. Looks over shoulder with ornery grin. Wildly dips hand in and out of water bowl. Quickly grabs handful of dog food. Sees mommy coming and frantically tries to make a run for it.

Mommy...races to her attention. Swats her little hand. Dusts off dog food residue. Sternly says "no-no!" Picks baby up. Places her far-far away from dishes.

REPEAT. over and over. until mommy gives in and places dishes on countertop, out of baby's reach.

Oh boy, we may be in trouble!