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Angelica, who is three years and eight months old, has a fun new habit of telling us what she’s not. We’ve seen this before when she first learned part of her name: “I not hungry, Daddy, I La-La!” or “I not cute, Granny, I La-La!” At that time, it was a way to assert her identity. But now, it’s turned into a different kind of game where she uses her expanding vocabulary to reject comparisons with objects around her, especially when her little brother Ted, who’s two years and one month old, is being bothersome.
For instance, when Ted was trying to climb onto the same chair by using her for support, she shouted, “No Ted! Stop using me to steady yourself, I’m not a rope!” Or when he tried to put dinosaurs into her nightie, “Stop, Ted – I’m not a pocket!” This continues with, “I’m not a slide!” or “I’m not a mat, Ted!” and “I’m not a cake, don’t munch on me!”
This brings to mind an idea for a new book — something like, “I’m Not Your [insert object name].” Titles could be like “I’m Not Your Bed, Ted.”
Anyway, the reason I’m sharing this, despite how dull anecdotes about kids can be, is that I suddenly feel like I’m living with a little person, not just a baby. I might have mentioned this before during her “I La-La” phase, but it’s become more evident recently. Angelica has turned into a fully-functioning child who can engage in complex interactions and drive me to a confused state of mind within minutes. I can be in the middle of an important call and listening for Angelica’s antics in the next room, but after just a few moments of her Small Child Interrogation, I’m completely thrown off course.
“Mummy, can I play a game on your phone?” “No, I need my phone now. You’ve already played one game today. Go set up the dolly hotel, and I’ll join you in a minute.” “Oh please, just one game for one minute!” and the persistence continues until my mind feels like it’s going to explode.
While Angelica is becoming the most determined negotiator, Ted has transformed into a little wrestler, full of energy and strength. He’s always launching himself from furniture and attempting daring jumps. It’s like he turned two, and a switch was flipped.
At least the cuddles are still there. Though Ted’s kisses are quite slobbery, they’re so genuine. Angelica, on the other hand, now needs a little persuasion for her affection, so I’m soaking up all the love while it lasts.
The other day, I was shocked to hear Angelica use a word I wasn’t expecting — not a swear word, but one that rhymes with “cart.” Growing up, we weren’t allowed to say that word, and we used terms like “blow offs” instead. I humorously refer to them as “trumps” or “guffs” now, and I even had a term ready for Angelica: “bottom burps.” It sounded quaint and innocent, but I suppose it was naive to think she’d avoid the school word. It’s a reminder of how much influence the outside world has on our kids.
I have moments when I think about home schooling, but I know it would be a challenge. Patience isn’t my virtue when it comes to stickers and coloring, and I’d be a lousy teacher. Interestingly, I almost pursued a career as a primary school teacher but chose a master’s in English and Creative Writing instead. That’s how my blogging journey began.
I’m currently dealing with a nasty cough that sounds like a sea lion or an old car horn, and it’s been waking me up at strange hours. That’s why I need to stop writing now, as it’s late and I don’t want to disturb anyone.
I had more to share about life’s happenings, but since winter is dreary, I’ll save it for another time. Until then, take care!