Okay, Mommy, just close your eyes...

Tucker is fully independent in the skill of dressing himself, which is a welcome ability at our house.

But, perhaps thriving entirely on words of affirmation, he loves to make every garment a surprise. He grabs his clothes and scurries into the hallway, and presents himself numerous times, with one more item added to his body.

"Okay, Mommy, just close your eyes."

"Well, I can't close my eyes, because I'm changing Tyler's diaper."

"Mommy. Close your eyes."

"Okay, okay. They're closed." Or at least squinty.

[tiptoe, tiptoe, tiptoe] "Ta-Da!"

I 'open' my eyes to see Tucker, with his arms thrown wide in self amazement, wearing his shorts, indeed.

And we repeat the same Dog and Pony Show with the shirt, socks, shoes, pajama shirt, pajama pants, and/or any accompanying accessories.

I am learning: applauding for every garment takes just as long as putting it on him with my own two hands. But it does lack the flare.

And there's no turning back.

I do hope his college roommate forgives me for this trend of his.