They call it puppy love

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My daughter is growing old before my eyes. I know that how I handle the next few years will determine how well she lets me in as she becomes older. So, I am really trying to be present for all of the day-to-day conversations we have. We journeyed from Zach to Justin. I watched all the High School Musicals. Now, I listen to the lyrics of Justin. As we cleaned out the havoc of her closet, my daughter explained her favorite scene in the new Justin Bieber movie. I guess he does some kind slow-mo hair move in it. She kept replaying how funny/cute it was. Fifteen minutes later, she acted it out for me. I sat there staring at her---keeping my eyes very open and focused. If I screwed up this moment of sharing now, I would not be let in for the deeper things as she gets older. Oh the pain to not mock or tease. I squeezed my lips very tight and nodded. I chanted in my head, "listen now, get to listen later." We got the fever here. Well, one of us does.

Comments

mindy said…
I've been trying to figure out if it counts as paying attention to my children if the whole time I'm having to tell myself to PAY ATTENTION! After reading this I think it does count:) Thanks!
February 14, 2011 at 11:00 AM
Anonymous said…
I love this post! My girls are too young to be really into pop culture stuff, but I know it is coming. Repeated retellings of a hair moment? Tooooooo funny!
February 15, 2011 at 5:43 AM
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