All Bases Covered

Overheard this morning between Beth and Mama as we made preparations to walk to Beth's kinder to see how long it would take to get there on foot.

M: Can I come with you to see your kinder?
B: Sure, if you want to. But it's a long walk, and you might be tired.
M: Oh, I can walk very well.
B: It could be hot, but it could also be cold.

Hubby and I reckon Beth would make a good lawyer. She's got all bases covered, and never gives a straight answer!

The Blessing of Sisterhood

Today, as Beth and Jordanne and I were snuggling together in bed, Beth said, "I love her, Mummy....It's good that we have a mei mei. Otherwise, we have no one to look after besides me."

As usual, I marvel at the things that come out of Beth's mouth. She is an old soul in a young body.

Beth and her Sunday School teacher

This evening, I had a call from Tricia, Beth's Sun Sch teacher. She and her husband Russell have invited us over for an Australia Day barbie at their place tomorrow.

When Beth heard me mention Tricia, she said shyly, "Mummy, I want to talk to Tricia."

After Tricia and I had finished speaking about dietary restrictions and the timing for tomorrow's lunch, I passed the phone to Beth. Here's what I could hear of Beth's end of the conversation.

"Hi Tricia," she said into the receiver. [One thing we're having to get used to is hearing the young 'uns address their seniors on first name basis.]

"Fine, thank you."

"Maybe she cries when she's wet, or dirty, or hungry."

At this point, I left the room with Jordanne, who was having the hiccups.

When I returned, the conversation was over. Beth told me Tricia would be watching out for us in her garden and that we could call her if we got lost.

I am amazed that Beth can converse so confidently and in such an adult-like manner with someone she has only known for 2 months. I've not known her to have such an easy rapport with any adult. Tricia's skills with children are such a blessing.

Big Sis and Little Sis

It's so lovely to see the connection between the 2 girls.

Beth has been enamoured by her baby sister since she watched her being born. She loves reading aloud from her storybooks while sprawled in bed next to J, or hanging over the side of the pram to kiss and stroke her baby sis' cheek.

We've noticed with amazement how J, at just 2.5 weeks old, reciprocates this sisterly affection. At the sound of Beth's voice, she instinctively turns towards her, responding with smiles and coos as Beth talks to her and fusses over her. This special treatment is reserved for Beth alone, no one else.

Just yesterday, as Beth leaned over in bed to pat her sister's cheek, she told me,"I'm so glad I have a sister."

Me too, Beth. Me too. I hope you both grow up to be friends for life :-)

Playing At School

Overheard between Beth and Grandma this evening:

G: Let's pretend we are now in school and I am the teacher. What do you say?

B: Good morning Teacher.

G: Good morning Bethany. How are you today?

B: Fine thank you!

G: Do you have a sister?

B: Yes I do.

G: How old is she?

B: She's just a newborn. She's sleeping now.

G: Does she look like you?

B: Oh yes she does! (with great enthusiasm)

G: What milk does she drink?

B: My mummy's milk.

G: How old are you?

B: Four.

G: What's your address?

B: Unit 1/2 Pitanga Gardens, Werribee, Victoria 3030.

G: How do you spell your name?

B: B-E-T-H-A-N-Y.

G: Good! Since you know how to spell your name, I'll give you a sticker.

Conversations with Mama

Beth's phone conversations are getting more adult-like and sophisticated.

Overheard yesterday while she was on the line with Mama:

"My mummy works from home."
Good girl! She is learning from an early age that working does not always mean putting on a suit and going to an office somewhere else.

"After my mummy delivers, she will get a [driving] licence so she can send me to school."
Hmm. She has already decided for me what one of my most urgent priorities is for this year!

"When Daddy goes to work, you will look after Mei Mei and Mummy will take me to kinder....otherwise who will look after Mei Mei?"
She has also decided what Mama's role will be when she comes to visit us for 2 weeks later this month!

"Friends are not strangers."
This was probably in response to Mama telling her to be careful to only go home with Daddy or Mummy, not neighbours or friends.