Reading With Bird: Still A Bear of a Different Color

Reading to Clara Jane is a whole different experience than reading to Joe is, or ever was. Birdie is sweet--so sweet--but rather rakish, and this later trait means that she may engage in all manner of antics before finally settling in.* Such was the case tonight. When she finally did allow Julie to read to her, the second book she selected was Brown Bear, a book she had flatly and vociferously rejected only minutes before, and indeed practically every time it has been suggested to her in the past few months. She does this with her signature you've-got-to-be-kidding-me no.** Naturally, she then wanted to read Brown Bear three times.

Then, she wanted to read What's In My Pocket? which has also been on hiatus. Be that as it may, Clara Jane knew just what was in each animal's pocket: carrot (rabbit), cheese (mouse), peanuts (elephant), and all of the above and a joey (kangaroo). She requested this book be read multiple times, too, and Julie noticed the second time through that Clara's seemingly random punching of the pages and putting her hands in her mouth was really not so random. Instead, Clara was giving the animals some of their respective snacks, and "eating" some herself! The third time through, Julie was also offered some imaginary snacks. After the third time through, it was time for bed and, as usual, Clara protested. What Julie usually does is to tuck Clara in close and break out the trusty shushing. Kisses are usually dispensed as well.

Tonight, Julie gave Clara kiss and felt Clara pull back, and then plant her open mouth on Julie's cheek (which is how Clara kisses). Oh, Bridie Brigade. Who can resist such charms? (Then Clara said "Nose?" and pointed to Julie's nose, and then teeth (so funny!), and then ears, eyes, and then back to teeth which led to mouth which led to hand chomping (also so funny!) and then, it really was time for bed, and Birdie conked right out.)

*(Another) representative example: select a book and then try to bait its would-be reader into a game of chase by streaking out of the room with it.

**(Yet another) representative example: Clara was in the midst of expressing her consternation about something or other this morning when Julie attempted to distract her by asking Clara to find the (toy) broccoli. Clara said no and the look on her face added "Mom. I have got the broccoli down. If you don't, at 35 years, I don't know how to help you. But please, don't patronize me."