Monkey See, Monkey Do

It's funny how much Sophie looks up to Sadie. I don't think Sadie realizes it fully, but I know in time she will be able to reflect on it and appreciate the impact. While the girls are different in so many ways, Sophie works hard to master the little things from snapping her tiny fingers, to reading, or turning cartwheels.

It is funny because she mimics everything at this age and a person has to be very careful in their actions around her. I've noticed that she has picked up mannerisms and phrases of mine.

I went to the doctor yesterday because I have a bladder infection. Sophie was with me and we made a full day of our alone time together, which included an educational trip to the doctor. I had tried to fight my bladder infection off for a couple of weeks because I detest going to the doctor. I masked some of my symptoms, but I only prolonged the appointment. I didn't realize until we got into the doctor's office and the nurse took my vitals that it was the first time that Sophie had been to the doctor when she wasn't the patient. She was very attentive to every detail, especially when the nurse walked us to the restroom and left the cup for me on the sink. I stood for a minute trying to figure out how to distract her while I did my task. The bathroom was very small and I couldn't think of anything and Sophie suddenly said, "Momma, why that nurse left that cup in here?" I had already decided that I had no where to hide. I had to tell her. I began to explain the details of the cup and the reason for the tests and medicine to make me feel better. She did not take her eyes off of me. She was tuned in and absorbing all of the medical knowledge she could.

Even when I was finished and washed my hands and wrapped the cup in a paper towel so that the nurse didn't have to touch the outside of the cup, she still stood there in awe with her lips parted slightly saying, "But why do they want your pee pee?" "What are they going to do with your pee pee?" "Do I need to leave my pee pee too?"

I assured her that she didn't need to and that we were at the doctor because I was sick and the doctor was going to see if there was infection in there and decide what kind of medicine I needed. I further explained to her that only doctors could look at pee pee in a cup and tell you what kind of medicine that you need. (I could just see her experimenting with that when we got home.) She seemed satisfied with that answer. However, it was the topic of conversation the rest of the day and everywhere that we went.

Hold tight baby. There is a big world out there. Only take in a little at a time. You've got a long time to figure it out.