Little Ears Are Listening

It's such a funny experience to hear your own words pop out of the mouths of your kids. I knew it would happen, everyone says that it will. But when it actually does, it catches you by surprise. I have to wonder — do I actually sound like that?

Last week we were on our way to tumbling when Lucie started fussing about something, using a whining tone of voice that drives me crazy. Before I could say a word, Ryan turned to her and said, "You a big girl, Lucie. Use a nice voice!" I couldn't have said it better myself.

While responding to the second call for "I have to use the potty!" after I put them down for bed last night, Lucie heard me heave a sigh of exhaustion. "I know, Mommy", she said, "we really demanding!" Funny, that's the exact word I would have used.

Thankfully, they also remember things I've said in happier moments, not just the reprimanding and frustration. A common phrase I guess I say a lot is, "What the heck?" I hear it from L & R about the little mysteries of the world, like when a stuffed animal gets tucked into the wrong crib or train tracks that fit together yesterday, suddenly don't fit today. "Wha tha heck?", they'll declare in mild exasperation. It's a good thing I've never been one to swear.

Here are a few other favorite phrases and sayings they've picked up from us. When looking for a lost Bunny, Ryan will declare, "I know he's around here some-where!" Or, when eating pancakes enthusiastically, he'll call out, "I'm a pancake MANIAC!" And, finally, while describing books she checked out at the library, Lucie will say, "We got Clifford, and Curious George, and uh, um...some other things like that." I have to laugh at her casual, relaxed tone. No need to spend valuable time thinking about this, Mom, it's just "things like that".

Language acquisition and other "things like that" are so fascinating to watch. Though it doesn't always feel like this — especially after I've said, "Say please!" for the umpteenth time of the morning — I guess a lot of listening does go on around here.