I picked up Celia midday today for a little lunch date. While there, her teacher shared with me a super cute story.
Apparently yesterday Celia's class was given salad as part of their lunch. It was the bagged kind with shredded carrots and red cabbage. The teacher watched as Celia picked up a piece of the red cabbage and examined it. Her little friend sitting next to her exclaimed, "Don't eat it! It's nasty!"
Celia just stared more at the little purple piece of cabbage for a bit longer while her friend kept insisting she shouldn't eat it. After a few minutes Celia finally announced "I'm going to do it. I'm going to be brave. I'm going to eat it! My mom will be so proud of me!" Then she popped it in her mouth and exaggeratedly chewed it.
By this time her whole table was enthralled. After she had completely chewed it she exclaimed "It's yummy! I'm so brave! My mommy will be so proud of me!" Then apparently, the other kids promptly ate their cabbage too.
You know, she was right. I am very proud of her. Her teacher explained that the girl that told Celia the cabbage was nasty, is quite the little ring leader of the class. Most of the kids usually do what she says. I'm very proud of Celia for thinking independently and making her own choice.
Before I had her, I prayed that she'd have a strong personality. I prayed that she'd be self assured and confident. Anyone that's spend about 10 minutes with that little one knows she's definitely not lacking in self assurance and confidence. I love that! I hope she doesn't loose it. I hope that she's strong enough to fight the onslaught of peer pressure that she's already beginning to encounter.
On a side note. It also pleases me that she was thinking about me during the day. It sometimes feels like everything I say goes right through her little head without sticking. Apparently some of it does though. Even when I'm not there she's remembering the things I encourage her to do.
I hope too that Celia remembers how much I love her. I wish my love could surround and protect her wherever she goes. She often surprises me by saying completely out of the blue, "Mommy! Guess what? I love you!" Or we'll flash the I love you sign to each other in the rear view mirror. And not encouraged by me, she'll do it to Dan too. She likes to climb up super close to his ear and whisper, "Dan, I love you!", and then just giggle. And heaven forbid he not tell her a special goodnight before he leaves to go home!
Oh that little girl!
