SuperK has, of late, taken to calling us by our teenager-to-parent names of "Mom" and "Dad" - that is, when she's not calling Brien "Bebe!" Today, she had a mock conversation with him, using my cellphone. He wasn't present on the other end, so she simulated his dialog... "Hi, Dad!," she said. "Hi, little girl!," she replied to herself, immitating him! It was pretty cute, to say the least!
Today was also a day of a multitude of other surpriseds. A couple of days ago, I'd told her "B-I-G spells big!" So, today, I asked her, "What does B-I-G spell?" "BIG!," she said, without a second of hesitation, as if I hadn't only told her one time, days ago. Sometimes, she's scary! Like when we went out to dinner at Jalapenos. We've been there many times in the past, but not for months. Every time we've gone since K's been "older," she's enjoyed dipping the chips in the salsa, which she calls "spicy." While on our way, before we'd even reached the restaurant, somehow she must have recognized it -- from the car? -- because she started announcing "Chips! Spicy! Dip it!" She was absolutely correct.
Earlier in the day, while driving to and from the shelter, we'd been listening to the band "Over the Rhine" in the car. I told her the name of the group and named off a few songs as they played. Apparently, K's about as much of a Karen Berghquist fan as I am because, for the rest of our commutes of the day, she kept proclaiming, "Over the Rhine, Mom! More music, Mom!" I asked, "Do you like them?" "YES!," she said, enthusiastically. I keep wondering how many children under 2 can name and request music from their favorite groups. I think she knows more song names than I do, and it only takes a few bars for her to be able to name them properly. I've done a little experimentation with having her sing the same note or notes as I do, and I think she's got a good sense of pitch. Let the singing begin!
So, at this, K's 22nd month, she's already a veteran shelter helper, cat treat feeder, self-serve snacker, and she can gladly put things into either the garbage or recycler for us. She is also very adept with her colors and can count to 10 without any help in English, Spanish, and German. I think that's pretty unbelievable. Knowing that there's THAT kind of brain in her little head makes me a little better able to understand why her moods swing so suddenly and with such dramatic force. I'm betting she's a genius. She's amazing to us, that's for sure!
