From my position in the driver’s seat, I glance back at the talkative toddler in the back. Her expressions are full and real and as I shift my gaze between the mirror and the road, I find myself doing so to insure that it is still my sweet little girl, with words and ideas that seem so far beyond her two years. As I listen to her discussion about what we should have for lunch, I find myself loving her even more – and enjoying the chance to follow her lead and just listen and respond. Having settled on “Mac n’ Cheese” she stops and purses her lips…thinking.
“And I don’t want it warm,” she declares.
“You don’t?” I ask, assuming that she wants it cold, which honestly makes me cringe.
“Nope. I want it hot, like a grown-up!”
This post was written as part of a monthly challenge sponsored by Two Writing Teachers, to encourage writing and community. The goal is to write a Slice of Life entry each day throughout the month of March.
How quickly we make assumptions only to learn what is really on the minds of the little ones. Too cute!
I love this post. I can just hear her say she wants it hot like a grown-up. Aren’t kids funny–always wanting to be older….
I love your explanation as to WHY you shift your gaze to the backseat- to insure that she still really is 2. I have often been surprised by the wisdom that bursts out of little people. I, too, was expecting her to request cold macaroni. You set that part of the vignette up perfectly, so I could experience it with you as a reader.
What a great moment iwth your daughter that you captured in this slice! Thanks for sharing!
I always hate having to take my eyes off glimpses of my girls in the mirror when all I want to do is gaze at their expressions. Yet, obviously for safety reasons I avert my attention back to the road!
It sounds like car rides are a great chance for you to bond with your daughter.