On a daily basis Evelyn has our family in stitches. I’ll often forget the funny things she says—even by the end of the day- and that is frustrating. So, my goal is to record her little 4 year old behavior on a more consistent basis.
Growing independence and a desire to be recognized as older than she really is are just a few of the many themes often present in her dialogue and pretend play. She loves to draw pictures of ladies- and these pictures often include lipstick, interesting hair, earrings, etc. Sadly, her artwork has moved far beyond images of little girls holding kites. When we are out, she is constantly looking at the women walking by, carefully examining the dresses they are wearing. “Can we buy that dress in my size, Mom?” she asks. Don’t get me started on our morning routine. Picking out her outfits each day is quite a chore. Compromise is a word that both she and I rely heavily upon during these early morning conversations about her clothing.
Today, as we walked to the grocery store, she ran to the newspaper stand and grabbed a free newspaper. She carefully folded it under her arm, then nonchalantly unfolded it and pretended to read it as we walked along. She insisted on strolling a few steps behind Dane and I- purposefully separating herself. Not ok in NY, by the way… with the busy sidewalks and such. So after a few of my nagging words, she finally said, “ok, Mom—I’ll catch up. I guess no one really thinks I’m a mom anyway." Hurt, she asked, "How can they tell I’m just a little girl?” Now I discovered her purpose—she was trying to appear grown up! Why? It makes me sad that she is so set on moving on. And I can only imagine what the pre-teen and teenage years will be like! Advice, anyone?
Well, the good news is that occasionally she will remind us that she is indeed, still a child. The other day when we told her it wasn’t lady-like to pull up her dress, she felt a bit embarrassed, but then retorted back after a moments’ thought. “Well, for goodness sake, Mom… I’m just a children, I’m not a lady-- you should know that!”
More updates on our little lady soon to come!
