Julia Belle Cotter is a 5-year-old spitfire with a flair for fashion, making people laugh and crying at the drop of a hat.

From the day Julia was born, she made it clear that her emotions were strong and intense.  If she was hungry, she didn’t let you know by whimpering, then crying a bit louder, and louder… No, Julia’s method of communication was very effective. When Julia decided she was hungry, whether she was playing, cooing or sleeping, she immediately turned those passive and sweet moments into a cry/scream filled with rage and looked somewhat possessed.  On many occasions, I feared that people would think I was ill-treating my child because her cries were so awful.  Although I knew she was ok and would be fine as soon as her mouth hit the bottle, I always broke out in a sweat while preparing it since her screams made me frazzled and frantic.   Some say this is a sign of a gifted child… Although I obviously believe Julia is gifted, I think that her actions were deliberate.  I think she knew exactly what she was doing and secretly got a kick out of watching her mom freak out.

Julia’s ability to drop tears at any moment, make anyone laugh when she feels like it and get her way simply because nobody wants to deal with the fight is uncanny.  Fortunately, tonight, this mom found her weakness and is finally getting back on track in regards to maintaining control and order with Julia.  Julia, being “just 5″ and the youngest of my two daughters, loves to feel like the baby.  In fact, she isn’t ready to admit she is growing up.  For a year now, a typical struggle we have (every morning and night) is Julia’s need to wear tight pants (leggings).  Getting her into a pair of jeans or pj’s that are not leggings is normally inconceivable.  Tonight, I found my weapon!  While Julia was searching her bedtime draw for the perfect pair of leggings to go with her fuzzy pink nightgown, I mentioned how much I missed how she used to wear her cozy pajamas that reminded me of when she was my little baby.  Moments after I said that, I left the room to get ready for bed myself.  Little did I know that comment struck a chord for Julia.  She called to me from her room while I was getting ready for bed and said, “Mommy, come see me quick!  I look like a little baby again!”  Puzzled, I entered her bedroom and sure enough, my 5-year-old fashionista had a pair of normal pajama pants on with a matching top.  I was blown away!  I picked her up, gave her a big hug and said “Awe Jules, you look so cute and cuddly now!  I feel like your my little bean again!”  Her reply, “Mom, maybe tomorrow we should go shopping for some new clothes for me.”  Humph… not sure if I am happy or should be cursing myself right about now.