Childhood

Last week I asked Eliza if she wanted to help me empty the nightly scrap bucket in our field.  This is actually one of her favorite activities because shortly after we dump the food, the neighbor's spaniel come traipsing down to eat it.  As soon as we get outside she yells, "Cahhhhh-ger!  Cahhhh-ger!"  Soon after, Codger appears.  You know whats cuter than a two year old carrying a food bucket up a hill?  A two year old in underwear carrying a food bucket up a hill yelling "Cahhhh-ger!"  I mean, really, does it get any better in her world?  She is almost naked, she is outside, she is doing a big girl job, and in a minute a puppy is going to wander into the picture.  Nope, pretty sure that is the best moment ever for her.

In my mind, it's one of the cutest things I've ever seen....childhood and innocence and excitement at it's very purest. The next day Eliza and I sat at the kitchen table and shared lunch together.  Have you ever just watched a kid eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?  They love it.  I mean probably a cupcake would be even better....but as far as a healthy lunch entree, PB & J leaves most kids pretty satisfied.  I watched her chomp the bread and smear peanut butter all over her face and dive in for another bite and I caught her life is good vibe. 

Last week I invited her to help me wash the dishes.  Obviously this task goes much quicker when a wet two year old isn't standing on a slippery chair next to me.  Yes the clean dishes are ending up dirty again, the rinsed dishes are somehow back in the soapy water, and soapy dishes are in the drainer.  Of course the clean bowls all have water in them now and are being drank out of one by one.  Occasionally a swig of sudsy water hits the spot.  And sometimes it's more fun to just dive in head first.  Most importantly, all tasks take place half naked.  Once again, the pleasure in her eyes and her jibber jabber makes this dish mis-adventure completely worth it.

 

 These moments of extreme cuteness are good for us.  It's a hard job raising an Eliza.  You never know when she's going to turn on you.....when the giggle turns into a scream...or an innocent tackle is followed by a bite...or the words "don't do that again" never make it fully out of your mouth before she does it again.  Or after a most pleasant puppy feeding you walk onto the porch confronted by this...