I used to wonder at what point my parents went from being "mommy" and "daddy" to "mom" and "dad". I imagined, with 4 older brothers, that I must've made the switch pretty early on, hearing my parents called that all the time. I know some women never stop calling their fathers daddy. Frankly, I find that a little creepy, but that's just me.
For Kate, the time is right about now. Jeremiah and I both have noticed that more often than not, we are now, officially, Mom and Dad. When there are falls or other minor tragedies or when she is very, very tired we are still mommy and daddy. But by and large the change has been made. I do not feel sorry for the end of mommy. I wondered if I would. But there is something so sweet to hearing my 3-year-old, upon bouncing into the kitchen with an empty cup, say "Hey Mom, can I have some more smoothie?" It comes out kind of "mum" and is always accompanied by a little pursing of her lips, and the wide-eyed look of a sincere inquisitor.
It is so very exciting when your baby first starts saying "mommy", especially since she's been saying "daddy" for at least 3 months. But that's the excitement of the big milestone. This change to being Mom, it seems to come with the implication of all that resides in the very essence of being Mom. It's like being awarded some sort of badge of honor.
"Of course you may have some more smoothie!" is the only response I can manage.
5 comments:
She has also taken to calling me "father," which sounds more like "fa-der." Cute stuff. I think she got it from Mary Poppins.
It's been "Mom" for a while here. It's usually still "Daddy" though.
Jeremiah I think she's actually calling you "fodder". She knows we make fun of you an awful lot.
When I heard her it sounded like "farther," and that made good sense.
Lisa, by the way, your writing is getting so good I can't believe it (and it's pissing me off a little).
xoxo
And when she hits 13 it will be Mother, said with that tone of voice that only teenagers can manage. I have no idea how we survived those years.
Post a Comment