Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Daisy will turn 12 this summer, which means that teenagerhood is right around the corner.

I see foreshadowing of this event all around her.  Daisy's middle school is filled with kids who seem as physically developed as they are emotionally incomprehensible and many of Daisy's friends like to spend time gossiping about boys they have crushes on.  I realize that the near future will be filled with days of sullen withdrawals punctuated by random emotional outbursts.

For now, however, the skies are clear and puberty-free.

Daisy was on spring break this week, so I took her to the office for a day of cheap childcare.   She spent the day politely greeting and charming my co-workers.  She was quiet and friendly and self-entertaining.  I don't think anyone has ever brought their kid into this office before, so Daisy set the bar fairly high.

The best part of the day was when we were at the train station a few minutes early.  I asked Daisy if she wanted to take a little stroll while we waited for the train to arrive.

"No," she answered, "I think I'd rather dance."

So, she asked me to watch her backpack for her, found an open spot on the train platform, and began to dance.

"Are you practicing one of the numbers from your last show?" I asked?

"No, just choreographing some new ones," she answered while listening to the music in her head.

Spin.  Slide step.  Arm extensions.

This kid has earned her right to some sullenness.

3 comments:

Some Girl said...

Adorable. You are a lucky man, to be able to take your children to your office.

Anonymous said...

As an older dad with three girls, the youngest of whom is coming up on fifteen, let me just advise you to drink in every precious moment you get to share with your daughter. When I get a chance to look at my three, unobserved by them, I scratch my head and ask myself, 'Where are my little girls gone'?

Mike said...

Hi Some Girl! Long time no see! And, yes, I am a lucky man, both because I'm allowed to bring my kid to work and because she brings cheer to it.

Anon, I do let too many of the moments go by without savoring them, but some times I get it right and take that mental snapshot.