I’m curled up with Miss M having just read her yet another story. She’s on the verge of sleep, eyes drooping, hands resting on her chest, but still aware enough to notice stuff. You know, that kind of ‘almost unconscious yet still able to protest if you attempt to escape move’ stage.
Her face is perfect. Almost. Except for a curl of hair over her lip, a soft brown tendril that she has tugged into her small mouth and is chewing on absently. I lift a finger and tease it gently away, then jump as her eyes flip open and she fixes me with a silent stare.
Me: ”You mustn’t chew your hair babe. Only babies chew their hair. You’re a big girl aren’t you?”
She holds my gaze a moment longer then sits up and takes my face in her small hands.
Miss M: ”Babies don’t have hair Mummy.”
‘Bugger,’ I think, but attempt a recovery.
Me: ”Bigger babies do M. And you’re nearly four.”
She lies back down and lets out an indulgent sigh, then lifts her hand and holds it level with her chin.
Miss M: ”Mummy, dey don’t have hair down dare do dey? Huh? Do dey?”
Me: (Mumbling) ”Some might M. Some babies have very long hair.”
She looks at me, her eyebrows raised, her dark irises becoming one with her pupils as they bore into me, challenging me to continue with my, well let’s face it, frankly weak argument.
Me: ”Anyway, you mustn’t chew your hair. Now no more talking. Off to sleep babe.”
Her eyes close and a small, slight but unmistakable smile amuses her lips. And I can feel her thinking, ‘I win.’
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November 27th, 2008 at 11:27 am
That wasn’t quite what she meant, was it?
November 27th, 2008 at 1:40 pm
And that’s only the beginning!
November 27th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Ah yes, ruling the house at the age of 4.
I have one of those mini dictators too and she’s only 3.
Clearly it’s our own fault for having sassy girls!
November 27th, 2008 at 3:28 pm
We’ve been talking to Emma about being a better listener, and about how she need to practice her listening. After a particularly bad day of rampant disobedience I charged her with the memory of her promise. She replied, “But I said I’d *practice* my listening Mommy.” Complete with a cheeky little grin.
She had me though.
Oi.
We are in trouble, luv.
November 27th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Love your new header Kate… (can I be Claudia, but not?)
November 27th, 2008 at 7:27 pm
M daugther is 5 and I’ve long since realized that she is smarter than I am… I’m in so much trouble in a few years. Sounds like you’re in the same boat.
November 28th, 2008 at 4:36 am
OMG that post has given me the biggest flashback – I used to chew my hair too!! I can almost taste it now!
Isn’t it funny the things we forget?
November 28th, 2008 at 5:59 am
My daughter does that too, and licks around her lips which leaves it red and chapped. She doesn’t seem to mind the way it looks, unfortunately.
November 28th, 2008 at 10:15 am
I had to reread to see what you meant BB. She meant down to her chin but I may need to reword that bit. Hee hee.
Tim, I know. Miss E is 8 and it’s getting a little scary. ;D
Tara yes, I suppose we have to take some of the blame. I’d rather they were a bit sassy though, but just not too much.
November 28th, 2008 at 10:23 am
Kim we really really are. Miss M has informed me that being good is hard but that she will try.
Potty Mummy you definitely can. And I am like Kate Moss..but not.
Hi Mary, and definitely. My oldest is 8. It’s amazing I haven’t given up. Scary aren’t they? ;D
Little Brown Book me too. I can remember the texture of it in my mouth and then the really gross feel of it sticking to my cheek. Bleurghhhhh.
Susanna, Miss E used to lick her lips till they were sore. She looked a bit like Jodie Marsh/Robert Smith till she was about 5. M doesn’t do the lick lipping so much, but she does peel them. Yuck.
November 29th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Aw! What a little dollie!
December 2nd, 2008 at 12:38 am
cute story. Sugar chews on her hair as well, and I tell her that it is germy, and she stops. LOL I do the same about her chewing her nails. I am making a freak of her, I’m sure. sigh…