Conversations with the Mini-Me

I've been working on a few different blog posts, but I wanted to write this down before I forgot what a special time I had with my niece, Emma, over Christmas break.  When Emma was born, we affectionately called her my Mini-me because she favored me.  Here's the proof:

This was at about 2 months of age.  Today, she is a beautiful three year old girl that looks nothing like that baby in the Bumbo.  She has her mother's face with her father's height and skin tone:

As Megan and Clint can attest, watching this little girl grow up is mesmerizing.  Her increasing cognitive ability is both interesting to watch and, at times, very funny.  The following are a few conversations (re: arguments) Emma and I had over Christmas while they were staying with us:

Conversation #1
(upon their arrival from Atlanta)
Me: Emma, did you have a nice ride in the car to Memphis?
Emma: I sleep.
Me (for some reason, feeling the need to correct her grammar): You slept.
Emma: I sleep.
Me: You slept.
Emma: I sleep!
Me: You slept.
Emma: I. TAKE. A. NAP. (while simultaneously rolling her eyes at Mommy wondering how much longer she has to play with "special" Aunt Katie)

Conversation #2
(In response to her never ending "Why?"s, I decide to turn the tables on the munchkin)
Me: Emma, what are you doing?
Emma: Drawing.
Me: Why?
Emma: Because I want to.
Me: Why?
Emma: To make a picture.
Me: Why?
Emma: Because.
Me: Why?
Emma: Stop it.
Me: Why?
Emma: Stop it!
Me: Why?
Emma: Stop asking.
Me: Why?
Emma: STOP ASKING!  (Here, she omits the "k" so she is screaming at the top of her lungs STOP ASS-ING!)

Conversation #3
(Emma thinks that Megan is asleep in the den adjacent to the kitchen)
Emma: (Using her best whisper voice that could be heard in a loud stadium) Aunt Katie, can I have another cookie?
Megan (perking up): Katie, what does she mean by "another" cookie?
Me: Meg, Emma's only 3, her command of the English language is so slight that she probably doesn't know what that means-
Emma: I want a bigger one this time!
Me - busted for sneaking her cookies before dinner:)

Bottom line, this girl is a hoot.  We always dissolve into giggles around her.  Emma's parents have done a wonderful job of raising such a sweet little girl who not only performs well in the lime light, but loves her family and enjoys going along with whatever the group decides.  Too bad they don't live closer:(