You make a good argument

Anna has been in her "no" phase for awhile now (sometimes the 3's seem harder than the 2's), but has also started explaining why she's doing something that we tell her to stop ("but I'm just…"). She's also started trying to make her case when she really wants something.

For example, Anna recently received one of those plastic candy canes that are filled with candy.  After preschool and before dinner, she wanted some, then made a very convincing argument after being denied:

Anna: "But mommy, i'm really hungry for these!"

Mommy: "Maybe after dinner."

Anna: "But mommy, they're for my mouth!"