Saturday, May 12, 2012

Emmy Teaches Mama a Thing Or Two

I can only imagine there is at least one moment if not several in every parent's life when they realize their child is ultimately going to be able to teach them a thing or two in life.  I had anticipated that this would probably come early- probably sometime around the 5th grade - in a social studies class as they learn about the Byzantine Empire or something.  Who really remembers anything about those types of subjects anyway?  It hadn't occurred to me that an even simpler moment could reinforce that while you may think you're teaching them, they are in fact very much internalizing, and in turn teaching you.  Case in point-- Emmy wasn't feeling well so we let her come lay in bed and watch an episode of a show she is loving right now - Little Einsteins.  She was obviously sicky and not quite acting herself, so I was trying to keep her engaged, trying to get her to talk to me a little bit, and just make sure she was otherwise ok (aside from the aches and chills she had going on).  Pointing out a boat on the tv, I made a little comment about the nice boat and asked her a question about it to get her to engage with me.  She tilted her head back to get a good look at me and very matter of factly informed me: "That's not a boat Mama, that is a viking ship, but it is similar."  And you know what?  When I squinted at the glowing screen at 4am, I'll be darned if she wasn't right.  How silly of me.  It was a viking ship.  Emmy, you are such a smart little girl, and while I love teaching you words that are similar to other words (a concept I see that you very obviously understand), I love that you are going to be teaching me all sorts of things in this life too.  And I smile as I realize this is only the beginning.  Love you funny bunny.

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