Imitation Intro

"Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. " -James A. Baldwin

Really, we are just beginning this whole phase of imitation.  Maeve has learned a hundred things from her daddy and I by imitation: sticking out her tongue, chewing her food, holding a book, stepping up the stairs.  But now she has begun to imitate our habits, things we never tried to teach her.

So far this has not been embarrassing, but I imagine that time will come all too quickly.  I'll catch her doing something that I didn't even realize I do, and that will be a moment to remember.  I can only hope it happens to Daddy first.

Maeve has started taking care of 'babies', i.e., her stuffed animals and dolls.  Her panda has been the recipient of her pacifier and her bottle, and she hugs him close to her tummy with obvious parental affection.  She likes to pack a dolly or Singamajig in her purse, and carry it around the house, patting it thoughtfully.

I suppose it could be partially a natural developmental step, but I think it springs from noticing how I take care of her.  But it is sweet as pie to watch her take such good care of her dollies and toys, and to have the thought that she learned it from me, and from her Daddy.  Being a parent is pretty great.

Got my baby in my purse