Manipulation

As a would-be psychologist I find it fascinated to watch the development of my daughter. It's amazing to see language occur and evolve. It's breath taking to see the little faces, mannerisms and idiosyncrosies that are already painting the picture of her personality.

And then there are the glimpses of what is to come:

Zoe (toddles up to mommy's plate to see what's cookin. See's it's pizza and is very interested. She reaches for a slice)

Mommy: No no baby, it's HOT. Can you say HOT?

Zoe (crying and kicking legs because she HATES the word NO)

Mommy (ignoring outburst)

Zoe (deciding that the tears are having no effect on the heartless monster she calls mother, takes a different tack. She climbs up my leg, wraps her arms around it and hugs me!)

Mommy: Zoe, it's HOT. Too hot for mommy's mouth, definitely too hot for yours.

Zoe (once again dissolves into tears and theatrics)

Mommy: Zoe, now that you've made such a big deal about this, I can't let you have any

Zoe (puts the final knife into my heart. She rests her chin on my leg silently as tears slip down her cheeks, looking like a the little match girl or something)

Before I could burst out laughing David came and distracted her, which took all of 30 seconds.

It's scary how fast they learn!