Our new nickname for our 3-year old (Toddler 1) is “Super-Soaker.” It has nothing to do with the air-powered water guns made famous in the 90’s, but rather with Toddler 1’s incredible ability to soak up anything and everything that is said within earshot and repeat it at the most surprising of times. Here are a few things we’ve heard coming out of Toddler 1’s small mouth recently:
“Holy cow!” (upon dislocating her Barbie’s head)
“She’s a nut.” (directed toward a slow driver on the road)
“I want you to hush RIGHT THIS SECOND!” (directed toward her sister during a tantrum)
“You’re making me nervous.” (upon being verbally disciplined by her mother)
“I hate this pillow. I hate it.” (while explaining to her daddy why she couldn’t possibly take a nap in her bed)
“Dang it!” (used very casually when she drops something or has any opportunity to express frustration; this is always followed by a close inspection of the nearest adult’s face to see what reaction this little outburst will get)
We’ll stop there… The point is only that I’m pretty certain none of these phrases originated with her. She’s soaking them up from dawn till dusk with ears that don’t miss a thing and a mind that doesn’t forget. No wonder they say the toddler/preschool years are prime time for learning a second language. It’s scary really. And humbling. Very humbling. It’s sort of like being recorded all day long and then listening to selected snippets of yourself being played back for you (only in the high-pitched voice of your own child). And, they’re rarely the snippets you’d choose to have re-broadcast 🙂
I did hear something yesterday, though, that gives me great hope for Super Soaker. She was busy playing with a baby doll and started humming to herself… “His love endures forever. His love endures forever.”
There is no sweeter sound than a 3-year old singing some praise and worship.
Oh, that she would soak up more of that and less of me.
So true! <3Julie