There was a time in the not-so-distant past when the Toddler really didn't care about clothing. It was a blissful existence where I bought whatever I wanted, dressed her in it whenever I wanted, and there were no fights. I knew better than to "complain" that she should put on her Care Face for a minute, because I knew my day was coming.

It's here.

It was like someone flipped a switch. One day I was gleefully shoving chubby legs in Gap embroidered jeans and cute little sweaters, the next I was hearing, "I don't like that." Repeatedly, and always followed by, "I wanna wear polk dot dress." And so it came to be that I started sending the Toddler into her closet to pick out her own dang clothes.

In all honesty, I don't care at all what she wears. After all, I am still her personal shopper. Ultimate veto power is a wonderful thing when it comes to jeans with "Juicy" stamped across the bum (and, yes, such things exist in her size). She really can't walk out of her room with anything too terribly bad. As long as what she picks is remotely appropriate for her tasks of the day and sort of works with the weather forecast, we're all good.

All summer we've had it pretty easy. She picks out a dress, I let her wear the dress. Mind you, she would wear the exact same pink polka-dotted dress every single day if I let her, but that's OK. It's not in her closet every day, and she always manages to find some other sundress that fits the bill.

All is well.

Except.

Cooler weather is undoubtedly on the horizon. Guess who won't wear pants. Not even leggings. Guess who thinks flip-flops are The Shoes of Every Season. Guess who won't wear layers. Guess who thinks sweatshirts and sweaters are stupid. Guess who is going to be really freakin' upset when her Ogre Mother insists that she cover her legs before going out in the snow.

Good times on the horizon.