So, while I have been home I have been spending time taking care of my niece. It's so funny because she is quite the pistol.
She is sassy and tons of fun. She has many phrases that I love and here are some of her most recent ones:
Whenever she wants something she asks, "Tio, umm should I have this?" Depending on the day it could range from chips, to candy, to fruit, or juice. Either way, everytime she asks me that, I want to laugh because I always tell her no, which leads her to make a face and argue as to why she should have what she wants.
Instead of could or may it's always should. I love to rile her up.
Her sassiness keeps me on my toes. Just tonight our dog Rocky decided he would eat from the garbage which caused my sister to scold him sternly. Well, that was enough to get N all upset as she bellowed,
"Mom, don't yell at my Rocky he is my dog!"
I came out to see the commotion and she quickly looked at me and said,
"Tio, don't yell at my Rocky, okay?"
She had a the stern look, the pointing finger, and that sass!
She is quite the defender and always stands up for the little guys; from Rocky to the little neighbor kids.
By far, her vocabulary and learning mind always impress me. So much so that today she explained to me why she did not want to play outside.
After lunch I took our plates to the sink and as she was sitting there looking out the window, I asked her if she wanted to go outside. Yesterday, she went on the trampoline when I told her not to because it was too hot to jump on, but went on it eitherway. I waited for her to learn her lesson. Don't worry, it wasn't super hot, but it was warmer than usual.
Today, however, she quickly responded, "Tio, I don't want to play outside. The "jumpoline" is too hot."
I started laughing and I asked her,
"What is too hot?"
"The Jumpoline!"
That is my new favorite word...so much so that I plan on using it from now on.
My time with her is great and I'm enjoying every moment because soon I'll be back to the old grind. It's crazy to see how much she has grown even from these few pictures of her.
I'm also learning a lot about myself. Sometimes, I feel I'm too harsh and strict, and I wonder what it will be like if I ever have children. ((Hopefully, not out of wedlock, Robert!)) It's crazy to think how much of an effect her life has on mine. Her tenacity and wonder help me to understand the role that I play in this crazy thing called life and the importance in having faith like a child. She is teaching me that life is about wonder and awe, to try, to fail, to learn, and the rest will all work itself out.
When I doubt my future parenting skills I always remember those moments when she looks at me with her loving eyes grabs my arm and says,
"Tio...I love you!"
Those words bring peace to my soul.
