Why Rachel is likely to have a literary career

..despite my best efforts to steer her toward math and science (thank you, Uncle Airplane!), Drew is disregarding my advice and keeps telling Rachel about...writing. Here's how a conversation between us went at dinner tonight:

Rachel: "Do you know what it's called when you start with Alina and Bibble and come back to Alina and Bibble?"

Me: "What?"

Rachel (shrieking): "Framing device!"

That kid....

***

Rachel was imitating Drew shaking his butt when he spins the lettuce for our salad. "I couldn't have a daddy sillier than him!" she said. Yes, I told her, that is the truth.

***

For the past few weeks or so, Rachel has been even more cuddly and kissy than usual, and extra-appreciative of us as parents.

Tonight she said, "Mom, you're the best!"
"Why am I the best?" I asked.
"Because you make fair rules," she said. "And you do what I want. And you buy me things."

I don't know whether to be happy or dismayed. I'm just glad she has learned to express gratitude so openly.