big sister maia

Maia recently decided her penguin should be laid in a manger. Sometimes her dollies are put down for a nap and everyone is instructed to be very quiet. Occasionally, Phil the dog also has a blanket laid on him and he is to remain very still and go to sleep for an indefinite period of time.

In faith, I take this all as a sign that my growing girl will make for a nurturing big sister.

By contrast, I try not to dwell on the fact that she likes to poke my belly. When I tell her excitedly that the baby is kicking, she likes to elbow it. I think she is expecting the baby to come out singing and skipping like her. She may be in for a rude awakening. Yes, there are things I choose not to see as a foretaste of things to come.

While watching the party in my belly today, I asked Maia what she thought we should name the baby. Her suggestions included:

mommy

daddy

Jessie (her girlfriend)

Gideon (her new cousin)

and....my favourite....

BEAR.

We should be able to go with one of those, don't you think?

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A few conversations from recent days for your reading pleasure....

Maia: I have the hiccups.

Monica: I can see that. You know the baby gets hiccups a lot too, even more than you do.

Baby: [kicks]

Monica: Hey, feel my belly. There's a foot moving right here.

Maia: I'm just doing hiccups right now.

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Colette is Maia's favourite dolly. The other day, I heard this from the other room:

Maia: One, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, NINE! ..... I'm coming to find you, Colette!

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Last week, Maia had an extra dose of the grumps when she and I were battling colds together.

Monica: Maia, I know you feel lousy. I feel lousy too. But I still choose to be happy when I'm feeling lousy.

About an hour later, after reflecting on this concept of choice...

Maia: Mommy, you're lousy and happy.

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Tim: You're very cuddly today, Maia. You're a 'cuddlefish'.

Maia: This fish is hungry.