So far if there is a phase you go through at 3 years old it would be one of irrational fears for Emma. We went to the State Museum yesterday with some friends. We have been there at least 5-7 times I would guess, always cheering on the way there because we would see the big shark. This time we walk in and Emma sees the shark and screams then runs and hides behind me. Yes it is a big shark, however it is not real and it's hanging from the ceiling very high up. She cried and screamed as we walked under it (you have to as you enter the main part of the museum). Kate meanwhile stands there with her hands on her hips saying "It's not scary, Emma it's a silly shark". Today at the park Emma sees a centipede (something we see all the time) again screams and runs sideways and backwards -- still screaming-- to get away from it. At the same time, now that she has alerted Kate and a friend that it is there they move in and poke it and have a grand time watching it. The only thing I can think of is that we need to start picking up bugs when we are outside and showing her how neat they are etc. to get her over this. I thought about that for a long time and decided that while I love her I just can't bring myself to touch bugs... so James started today picking them up and showing them to her. Maybe she won't realize that mom never touches them. I'll gladly tell her how neat they are if I don't have to touch them. The fear sharks... that might be a good one to hold onto and I have no idea how to work through that one.

Kate's quote for the day "Worm's make me happy".