Rachel knows a lot more than I think she does

One of the toys Rachel got for her birthday was a stuffed rabbit called “Doodle”, because it comes with markers that you can draw designs with on the rabbit. I decided to voice it, so now Rachel has an ongoing conversation with Doodle as she tries to explain the world to her (it’s apparently a “she” rather than a “he”). I answer in a little squeaky voice.

Rachel is apparently Doodle’s big sister, which breaks my heart because I can see what a wonderful big sister she really would be if I had had the foresight to give her a sibling (preferably a baby brother; she’d be great at it). She has taken to explaining to Doodle how the world works. Here’s how she was describing Earth:

“We live on Earth. It’s not like other planets that are too hot or too cold. It’s not too warm, not too hot, not too breezy and not too stormy. It’s just right.”

(OK, it sounded suspiciously like a description of the three bears’ porridge. But still…I was impressed she even has a rudimentary sense of our solar system. Way to go Rachel!)

Then she started describing a house: “We live in a house. Some people live in houses but they don’t have enough money for beds or for furniture. So we can give them money.”

I have no idea where she picked that up, but let me tell you, it was entertaining as hell listening to her in the front seat. I could listen to her little voice go on for HOURS.

Something new we’ve started: A variation on the game of each of us thinking of a new word that matches the first letter of the word we just said. Now we think of opposites (I taught her the word “antonym” and “synonym” tonight. We did a little of both). It was really fun; I hope she continues to be interested.

Best thing about last night, after a rough day at work: As we cuddled in bed, she wanted me to sing one verse of a song we know, and she sings the next, then I pick it up, etc. She made up this idea herself. So tonight we each sang a verse of “Red River Valley” and “You Are My Sunshine.” She really has a lovely little voice and it was so great to be able to sing together. I’m hoping someday we can do duets at the piano or guitar, with her strumming or fingering the keys and both of us trading off verses.

Sometimes I can’t believe how far we’ve come.