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She might be reacting to your pregnancy and just wants to be your "baby" and babies cry
But I guess she also knows it irritates you and likes to push that button. I would probably just ignore it for now and see whether it will disappear within a week or two or so.

My guess is it's a reaction to your pregnancy. Since my 8 week old was born my three year old daughter has been crawling around on the floor making "wah wah" sounds and saying she's a baby. When she does it I usually just point out things she can't do if she's s baby ("uh oh, better put these cookies away since babies can't eat cookies...") and she wants to be a big girl again.

Oops. I just reread your post and realized you asked why she's doing it, not for advice. Sorry.

@Cherrybee: That might be it, because she sees them doing that and getting what they want, so she's trying it.

@Cherrybee: I think she suggests troubleshooting it, if you think she's hungry, offer food, if you think she's overstimulated, get her to a quieter environment, etc. and absolutely acknowledge her feelings.

My LO (25 mo) has started doing this as I have been approaching the later stages of pregnancy. For him it is complete with the twisty fists in front of the eyes (a la 'the babies on the bus go wa wa wa') - and I can tell he is not really very upset, it's nothing like a tantrum. If I say 'oh dear you're crying' he be all like 'Yes! Crying!' I think for him it's a reaction to becoming aware that he soon won't be 'the baby' any more.

@Cherrybee: "I think she needs to eat her frickin breakfast so we can get out to daycare!! Thats what i think!" I know you are joking, but I understand the sentiment. However, I find that pushing the issue makes it worse with my son. I try really hard to pick my battles, and to ignore or acquiesce to other behavior as much as possible. In this case, if breakfast feels rushed, I might try to change the routine so that there is simply more time for breakfast. Maybe you can sit her down earlier and then do some other chores and talk to her while she eats? Or find a way to enjoy the moment a bit more. When my son -- who is almost two and very verbal -- regresses to making gibberish sounds, I usually parrot it back to him and we wind up giggling together. I could take him seriously and tell him he makes no sense and that he should use his words, but he clearly feels like experimenting with that new sound so I just go with it and join in. And frankly, I am not above sort of making fun of him. If I say something totally reasonable and the response is a shriek or a dramatic "No way no!", I might just parrot him again to sort of reset the tone. Then I redirect. It usually confuses him enough that we are able to reset the tone. Plus it helps me keep my sense of humor instead of feeling frustrated.

Sorry this is long and rambly, but maybe something will resonate with you.

"And if she's confused & overwhelmed by the total change of routine, there's nothing I can do about that."

Yes, there is something you can do. You can build more time into getting ready time (even 10 minutes can make a difference). You can talk to her about the changes to routine (both during the routine and at other times too (especially when she's calm and happy)). You can eliminate choices (like which jam. she may be more easily overwhelmed right now). You have options. You just need to identify what they are and make a plan so that when it's happening, you are already prepared to deal with it.