The Apple Doesn't Fall Far From the Tree

I remember reading some article years and years ago that said if you wanted to know how your kids perceive you, just listen to how they play with their toys. Norah plays independently really well and one of her favorite things to do is to be the 'mom.' Lately I have found myself spying on her in order to see and hear how she interacts with her dolls and animals.

To my great relief, she consistently showers them with affection and accolades and calls them sweetheart, honey, pumpkin, etc. She will say things like, 'don't worry sweetheart, that was an accident and accidents happen' and 'you won't know if you like it if you don't try it!' She reminds them to be kind and to say please and thank you. She tells them she loves them.

She also says (quite frequently), 'you are driving me bananas' and yesterday I overheard her say, 'honey, you better check it before you wreck it.' Hey, at least she's keeping it real.

The kid has an amazing vocabulary. Just today she said (in the correct context, no less): unfortunate, rotten, persevere, generous, and hurricane. I attribute this to the fact that she has a memory like a steel trap, we read hundreds a books a week, and television. Lots and lots and lots of television.

She starts school the week after next and is very nervous about making friends. We've been talking a lot about being confident and kind and introducing herself when she meets someone new. Today at the library, without any prompting from me, she went up to a girl and introduced herself. The girl didn't say anything. Norah asked the girl her name. The girl didn't say anything. Norah told her that she liked her shirt (Tinkerbell). The girl didn't say anything. Norah told her that she had beautiful hair. The girl didn't say anything. Norah then said, 'don't you know you are supposed to say thank you when someone gives you a compliment?' Then the girl asked Norah to go in the boat with her and Norah was beyond thrilled that she had made a new friend.

(This is Norah's new 'princess' dress courtesy of Megan and her new 'comfy Belle doll' also courtesy of Megan. I think she has worn the dress the past 72 hours straight).