My Fickle Daughter

Ahhh, Abby. She is a girl full of contradiction, that's for sure.

The wonderful couple we had watch the children while we were away for our anniversary trip asked a favor of us. You see, Chris is one of the pastors at our church. They were promoting some new children's books and asked if they could "borrow" Abby for a skit during announcements. Abby was to say "This one is my favorite!" as she picked a book out of a basket and hand it to Rachel and she would start reading it to Abby. Chris would then come up and talk about the books.

So, Chris & Rachel came over Saturday night to practice a little with Abby. Well, Abby turned out to be in a very uncooperative mood. First, she was too tired. Then, she was scared. Rachel explained that she had bought a little surprise for Abby for after the skit and she would get it then. Abby perked up but still said she wouldn't say the lines and that was fine. All she'd need to do was get the book and nod her head when asked a question.

The next morning we hustle out the door. I drop Abby off with Rachel and go to the nursery with Libby. (Mike took care of Luke and ran the video slides for the music that morning so we didn't sit together during service). Everything is going as planned and the time comes for the little skit. And I see a microphone is involved.....

Abby happily goes up on stage with Rachel, gets the book as requested. Rachel then asks her if this book was her favorite. (This is when the nod was supposed to take place). But the microphone is now in play. I see Abby's eyes light up and twinkle with excitement and anticipation. She then, to my surprise, bends down to the microphone and says in a breathless voice..

"I like this book. It is my favorite. Because my Mom told me to say so.."

Needless to say, the congregation laughed. I was slightly mortified. But, hey, at least the girl was obedient! With salesmanship like that, the books sold out.

Abby had done so well and was very excited to get her "surprise." With sheer anticipation she opened the gift bag and then she saw it. "It" was a very cute grey, stuffed hippo. Abby was completely let down. Crestfallen. I'm sure she expected a crown or some other beauty pageant worthy reward. But she didn't say anything. I was very proud of her because I remember getting a rag doll for Christmas one year and having the same excitement. And I threw it down in disgust after opening the present and said "I DON'T LIKE IT!" to the absolute horror of my mother as everyone watched on (yes, I grew up in a sit-in-a-circle-and-open-one-by-one family).

But, as this post is titled. My daughter can be fickle. After church, she decided she loved the new hippo and named her Adeline and slept with her that following night. Adeline is a very nice new addition to the family as she is very quite (according to Abby) and sleeps very well (again, according to Abby).

These happenings give me encouragement that one day, she will start liking all those veggies that she currently detests. After all, a girl can change her mind, right?