Big Personality in a Little Package

Tonight my daughter did something completely unscripted, hilarious and extremely honest...  While in the tub she let out a magnificently loud fart.  It reverberated throughout the bathroom and made huge bubbles in the water.  Before my wife and I could react our daughter was hysterically laughing, not just a little bit, but one of those belly laughs that make you so happy it hurts.  At 10 months old, my daughter already gets potty humor, probably one of the most universal types of humor that transcends culture, gender or age.  Let's be honest, farting is funny and she already knows it.

Our little bathroom incident is just one example of how her personality is shining through and she is breaking free of the typical cooing, smiling and clapping that defined the last few months.  She can now evaluate a situation and make up her mind what to think (to a point) and how to react.  It is magical to see the gears turning in her head and to watch her entertain herself, choose what she wants and even attempt to make conversation with people.  If she doesn't feel like we are paying enough attention to her, she reminds us of her presence with a nice little shout and smiles when we turn and look.  While playing on the floor together, she will actually come over and with a hand on each of my cheeks look me straight in the eyes while babbling as if to say "Dad, you aren't listening to me, I want that."  Apparently, I am already the "dumb" one who just doesn't understand.

I often wonder what kind of person she will become.  It is obvious that our little girl is very happy and enjoys seeing others happy, but we have already started noticing a very nurturing side.  We watch her on the video monitor hug her glow worm in bed, pet its forehead with tenderness and even have a conversation before we go in to greet her in the morning.  She is also becoming quite the little party animal.  She loves having a big group of people to interact with and will go to just about anyone she sees.  We make friends everywhere; the grocery store, park, with our mail lady and even the paint guy at Home Depot.  We really could learn something as adults from kids; be happy, greet each other with warmth and don't judge based on looks.  A smile goes a long way!

Now, my daughter isn't all sunshine and rainbows.  I have also noticed my stubbornness, need to constantly be doing something and sometimes more than slight impatience.  It is like looking in a mirror and seeing the traits she has learned in addition to her own individual self.  I am now more aware than ever of my personality traits and, in addition to watching my language, will have to be careful what I do.  It isn't a cliche...  All eyes are on me now!

Never a dull moment!