Mommy and Me

Justin always jokes around that Jennie's favorite show is the "Mama Show," and thankfully it's on 24 hours a day. Since Jennie doesn't watch TV, it makes sense that her favorite "show" to watch is me. She likes to watch me clean, pick up toys, eat my lunch, pick out clothes, fold laundry, wash dishes, get the mail... and on and on. All kinds of things that most people think are boring and mundane, Jennie finds fascinating when I am doing them. Of course, it doesn't hurt that she is only (almost) 16 months old and finds just about everything interesting. It can be a little overwhelming at times - I mean, she is watching EVERYTHING that I do. No pressure there or anything, right?

For a walk by the river

During these seemingly never ending winter months, Jennie has progressed from just watching everything I do to wanting to "help" me and copy everything as well. One of her favorite activities is to "cook" in the kitchen with me. I drag out a few utensils and bowls or pans and she mixes, and shakes the closed spice containers into the bowl. Then she follows me around the kitchen insisting that I repeatedly "try" a sip of her creation. It is so cute. She holds the spoon up to me and says "Mama, Mama!" with this look of expectation in her eyes. She also likes to help wipe up the floor and the table. She'll dip a cloth into the empty bucket I give her and rub the floor in little circles. I was thinking that maybe I should give her real water with soap in it - but then I came to my senses and thought about what would end up happening there. What I pictured was a HUGE puddle of water and a mess.

Helping me vacuum

Jennie likes to help me vacuum and "fold" the laundry, too. Of course, folding the laundry involves Jennie taking all the clothes out of the basket and putting them back in. At least she cleans up! One of Jennie's favorite "Mommy and me" activities is to go grocery shopping. She says hi to every person she sees, tells all the strangers about the "nana's" (bananas) she is holding in her lap, and also loves to cross items off the list. She takes the list and my pen and crosses items off when I put something in the carriage. Even though she has a pen that is not clicked open, she still thinks she is being a big helper, and is so proud.

Getting ready to leave the
driveway for a ride with Mommy

Jennie basically likes to "help" me with anything. If I want her to do something that she isn't into, I tell her to "help Mommy" and she will readily do what I want. I am 100% certain this novelty will not last, so I am enjoying it while I can. For example, if she doesn't want to stop brushing her teeth, which is typical most nights, then I say to her, "Jennie, will you help Mommy rinse your tooth brush?" and I help her to the sink, and she rinses it. Then I say, "Jennie, you need to help Mommy put your toothbrush into the cup," and , presto. It's done with no tears or fuss.

Jennie loves to play make up with me in morning. I sit on the floor in front of a floor length mirror and put on my make up. Jennie sits next to me and pulls out the make up and hands me items. She also waits with that cute look of anticipation at me after I apply something, waiting for me to dust her cheeks with the brush too (empty of makeup , of course). I guess there isn't much I do that Jennie doesn't want to do, too.

Thank goodness it is getting warmer and we can play outside... Then Jennie can see other things I like to do like run and play and swim and be silly outside. I don't want her thinking that all we do for "fun" is take care of the house and make dinner for Daddy ;)

I am certainly cherishing this stage of Jennie following me from room to room, and copying all that I do, being my little "mini-me." She is adorable, and it is endearing seeing her want to be just like me. It makes me watch myself, and make sure I am being the best person I can be. I hope some part of Jennie always wants to be like me, and to please me. I know there are rough times ahead for our relationship (like, when she's 13... yikes...) but for now, I like my miniature shadow.