The 'Terrible' Truth

I have always heard the saying 'Terrible Two's' but I must admit when Harlee was 2 she was an angel. It wasn't until she reached the age of three that she started being 'terrible'. Now I understand this is a time in life where a young person evolves from the 'baby' stage and begins to question consciousness and character. But I'll be danged if they aren't hard to deal with. After seeing some of the other 'terrible three's' situations that our family and friends are going through, I must admit Melissa and I have it fairly easy with Harlee. Which worries me because Brinlee seems to be a very outgoing and adventurous baby right now. I think she will be a little more defiant.
I have always been a little rough and somewhat of a pest with my girls. OK, I'm down-right annoying most of the time. But I treat my girls that way so they will be used to being picked on and hopefully develop a constructive defense mechanism. They are both red-headed after all, enough to give the kids on the playground plenty of ammo to pick on them.
I was playing with the girls the other day and taking pictures of them. Most of the time Harlee is a complete camera hound, but I evidently upset her somehow. I'm sure it was my unequivocal ability to annoy her at any instance that caused her to storm off to her room. I followed her to her room, which made the situation even more upsetting for her. Now remember she can turn on the water-works at will. She started pouting and turned around to see my camera in her face. Her reaction was adorably hateful. She said ,"don't take a picture of me I look TERRIBLE". Melissa and I couldn't help but laugh even though she was obviously distraught. I guess she realizes when she LOOKS terrible, I only wish she would realize when she ACTS terrible.
I have learned very quickly there is no way to skip this 'terrible' stage in your child's life. I just accept Harlee how she is and allow her to express emotions freely. However, I do not hesitate to have a 'daddy talk' whenever she gets too big for her princess panties.