You know those moms who brag about their kids and blatantly try to make you feel bad about your own kid? I hate those moms. In other news, ANNABEL LOVES TO CLEAN!
We discovered her gift when we were cleaning the closet mirrors in her bedroom. Annie kept grabbing at the paper towel we were using to wipe down the mirror. Eventually one of us handed her the towel and she was off and running. Now she walks up to us and asks to clean.
“More clean, yes?” I mean, who am I to deny Annie an activity that gives her such pleasure? Especially when she uses such impeccable manners.
“OH BOY MORE CLEAN!”
She takes the cleaning VERY seriously, pointing to where we need to spray more cleaning solution, and then carefully wiping up every last drop.
Too bad she isn’t tall enough to clean the entire window. How old do kids have to be to use ladders?
Zoe says:
I was the same way at her age. My dad was (and still is) an electronics freak, except all of his pretty black machines were covered in dust. Little cleaning maniac to the rescue!
Jenn says:
I love the pictures of her with her mouth open while she watched you spray the window and also the one with her cleaning with her little tongue out. My kids LOVED to clean too…when they were little but the thrill and excitement wore off for them sooner than later to our dismay.
Here’s hoping Annie’s thrill of cleaning lasts a life …or at least until she moves out of your house and into her own!!
Audra says:
She seems like the perfect candidate for Montessori!
Shan says:
1. Could she please come visit me? 2. Try her with a mop!
Jessica says:
Give her a Swiffer…it will be hours of endless entertainment, plus your floors will be clean. Win-win.
Rashmi says:
She looks so cute with her mouth open.
To make a cleaning solution safer for her, mix in vinegar and water in a spray bottle. Then she can even spray it herself .
KarenMac says:
My son loves to mop the floor…..I clear out the kitchen chairs and table so he has a nice open space. He found that if he has a little ‘extra’ water on the mop it’s just like ice skating. He ‘plays hockey’ and my floors get clean!
Lisa says:
Just strap her into a three-point harness and use a pulley to raise and lower her — that patio door will be clean in no time, and I bet she’ll have a ball!
Michelle says:
Yep, all four of our kids LOVED to clean as toddlers. Unfortunately that enthusiasm wears off before they’re really capable of “cleaning” anything. Washing windows is still a favorite for my 6 and 7 yr old boys though.
Adrianne says:
Don’t worry, she’ll grow out of it! Last Friday I was at book club and the two 2 year old girls were doing the exact same thing! Yes, our “book club” is more of an excuse to get together than an actual discussion of books. And apparently a way to get help with the housework:)
Bria says:
My toddler is totally into sweeping…with the push broom upside down.
Angi says:
My nine year old is the same way. I LOVE that my child labor practices will never be reported because she thinks she’s having fun. Cleaning windows, toilets and sink…HER FAVORITE.
Jaclyn says:
I’ve been trying to work up the energy to seriously clean this house all week, and somehow these pictures are finally doing the trick!
Karen Bennett says:
I just wanted to let you know that you guys are awesome and I love your blog. I mentioned you today on my blog cause I am going to get a new printer that I saw here. Just thought I would let you know.
And you should totally try the harness thing for Annie. Raise her and lower her and she will have a ball! Be sure to video it too!
Jennifer says:
awww.. she’s too cute! I wish I loved cleaning as much as she did!
Joy W says:
Nothing wrong with child labor.
Tami says:
Thats is so funny and so cute. Can I borrow her? I have lots of windows at my house that need to be done and I hate to do them.
Jacquie says:
You know what she CAN reach? The floor! Get that girl a dry mop.
Love the outfit and the expressions, she is full to bursting with awesome.
Sloane says:
If only my 3 year old shared her joy…
Bonus points if he can get to that happy place before the February birth of his sister!
Meghan says:
I have two vacuumers here…the oldest of my three wisened up a few years ago and I have to beg for her help, or offer cash. Smart girl.
Joy says:
yep i agree give that girl a swiffer and let her go! It’s a win win
Kristin says:
Love this! Keep the cleaning coming, Annie!
On a side note, where did you get the Yo Gabba Gabba Shirt???? My daughter Claire (13 months) loves, loves, LOVES Yo Gabba Gabba! Must. Find. Shirt.
Heather says:
I got the shirt at Old Navy!!!
Kristen says:
My son does this all the time! He’ll wipe down anything.
He’ll use the same wipe on the floor as he uses on his face…so…that’s healthy.
Expat Mom says:
Take advantage now! She will most likely outgrow this. My youngest is still into cleaning and he’s 4 but the older one dropped it after 2. sigh.