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Tuesday, April 26, 2011

Morning Conversations

Right now, Norah is very interested in cars and trucks.  Not in the way they work or in categorization or explanation, but simply in pointing them out -- "car! truck!"  So, on our walks in the morning, which take us about 30 minutes, we spend the majority of that time spotting cars and trucks (to be fair, she also frequently requests that I sing the "ABC" song or "Itsy-Bitsy Spider").  We walk in a residential neighborhood, but along a road that sees a steady stream of regular traffic, so we usually have quite a few cars and trucks to admire in passing.

So, a typical conversation between her and I may go something like this as we walk:

Norah: "Car!"

Me: "Yes, that's a car."

Norah: "More?"

Me:  "There'll be more.  You just have to be patient."

Norah: "Pay-pay."

Me:  "Yes, 'patient.'  Look, another car!"

Norah: "Car!"

In order to make things a little more interesting for myself, I also try to point out the colors of cars, but it's hard since car colors aren't always easy primary colors, and what am I gonna do, teach her the differentiation between taupe and tan?  Still, I point out color on the cars that are distinctly red, blue, green, white, etc.  Also, if the cars come in a steady stream, we count them: "One, two, three, four!  Four cars!"  And yes, I feel a bit like The Count from Sesame Street.

The highlight of our morning walk then is when the schoolbus passes us, or best of all, a firetruck or some other emergency vehicle.  Norah can distinguish the "Bus!" from other vehicles, and after the schoolbus drives by she usually follows up with an appreciative, "Wow."

I remember when a run or a walk used to be time that I spent in my head.  Even with Norah along, for a long time, our runs or walks were mostly silent, contemplative times for me.  Now, however, I'm totally caught up in spotting on-coming cars, and when a "Red Truck!" passes us, I'm nearly as excited as she.

11 comments:

Marlene said...

Oh my, how things change! That is too funny.

Erin said...

You may have to rethink your running routine with baby #2 and switch to night runs with Caleb, leaving Norah at home to chit chat with Jerry if you want "alone" time.

Ryan also has mentioned his drive to and from work is far from relaxing with Miller. He talks the WHOLE time.

Robin said...

That is so cute! I look forward to having the same kind of times with Eva someday.

But I do know the importance of that quiet, thinking time. You still need that!!

Shellyrm ~ just a country runner said...

Just think of the increase in your lung capacity when she starts wanting you to sing "The wheels on the bus" while your out...non stop. Oh, the day is coming!

Sam's Minions (aka parents- Angie and Brian) said...

My 2 year old is so excited when he sees cars, trucks and busses. Our ride to and from daycare is all about looking around and seeing them. When it's nice, we go to the end of our block and watch the vehicles on a busier street.

ajh said...

Very sweet. Even though they were many years ago I remember those years with a big smile on my face.

Unknown said...

Oh my gosh - this sounds totally like our walks. Truck! Car! Big bus! Any idea what a Tee Truck is though? I can't figure that one out...

MNFirefly said...

At least she's not saying the "other word" instead of truck. My son had issues with using because he had trouble with his tr-'s which left to a lot of laughs.

fancy nancy said...

So cute!!! I often find myself singing (ever so slightly off key) while I'm pushing Em! She belts them out too!

Nicole @ Haute Runner said...

It amazes me at what facinates kids!! It really makes you appreciate the small stuff!

My brother had a hard time saying trucks when he was little. He used to shout out "f----ucks!" Oh my...

Agate Lake Girl said...

I miss those Dr. Seussian conversations.