Dinner conversation with my daughter

"Why do you love me?" Rachel asked tonight.
"I think the question is really, how can anyone NOT love you," I said. "It's kind of impossible."
"I can't answer that," Rachel said, smiling.

***

Giada, a member of Rachel's preschool posse, had a birthday party at school today and her mom passed out goody bags and cupcakes.

"Know where the lizard in my goody bag is?" Rachel said.
"Lizard?" I replied.
"I gave it to Tessa," she said. "And my ball. I give EVERYTHING to people."
It's that effortless giving away of her things, totally unthinkingly, that takes my breath away. Rachel has such a kind, giving heart. I have no idea how that happened.

***

I'll read any book that Rachel chooses at Powell's, but I absolutely loathe the Care Bears. They have stupid names and the sentiments they express are completely insipid.

"Know why I like Care Bears?" Rachel asked tonight. "'Cause they have nice names! And they're adventurous and they have pretty colors."

Ugh. Whatever you say, kid.

***

"You're the best mommy I could ever have!" Rachel said while brushing her teeth tonight. "Even if Helen was my mom I'd still think you were the best!"

Helen is Tessa's mom and a perfectly nice former colleague of mine at the Oregonian. I was flattered beyond belief.