oh the things you will say!

I was thinking today of one of the less-explored aspects of being a mom. And that is the words that will come out of your mouth. Things that would sound thoroughly insane if you didn't happen to have a little child running around.
It all starts when they are babies and we begin to coo and ooh and aah over their little hands and feet, cheeks and noses, tuschies and tummies. This turns into the silly language known as baby talk, of course, in which we utter things like "ooh, yessy-wessy, Emma is a cute widdle one, yes she is! wook at her widdle nosy-wosy. Ah-boo-boo-boo!" in a voice that is about two octaves higher than normal. Yes, I know I sound like I am making fun of this silly thing that we do, but I'm not. I, like Anne Shirley Blythe, believe "you just can't help talking baby talk to a baby. It comes natural-- and it's right."
As children grow older and begin to develop little vocabularies of their own, we drop the baby talk and move onto conversing with our children. This is when it really gets interesting, because as mothers we are often privileged to step into their little worlds, where anything can happen and such things as "plufferplumps" and bunnies named Piglet abound.
Here is just a sampling of a few of the things that I have spoken in the past few weeks (at least those that I can remember):

"Yes, I will come kiss the giraffe good-night in just a few minutes."
"Can the pink poodle tell me what happened on her trip to see the caterpillar?"
"Oh, I see, the bunny married ME. How exciting!"
"Ok, spit the crabs out of your mouth then so they won't pinch you."
"Will you please not touch your sister's bare butt?"

That last one really has nothing to do with imagination, but I sincerely hope that would not be said in too many other situations than a 3-year old very curious about diaper changes. It certainly fits in with the crazy things moms say. As does this one, which is fresh from this morning:

"I don't think Annabelle WANTS to wear my underwear today!"

Oh, the simple joys of motherhood. :)

bookin' it

Last night, a dream of mine came true: we started a book club! I seriously have always thought a book club would be so fun and such a great thing to be a part of, so this is a wonderful thing to me.
Jessica got it started for us by choosing a book and having it at her lovely home. We are going to be reading Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. I am really looking forward to this book, since it is one that I have always wanted to read. And now I will get to read it in the company of many godly and intelligent women and be able to benefit from their insights and the discussions we will have.
Jessica dubbed us the "Blossoming Babes Book Club" (how fun is that!), and I think it is an appropriate name. Of course, because there are a lot of babes-- have you seen my girlfriends? All beautiful and gorgeous, I'm not kidding! :) But also, we do hope to blossom in certain areas of our life, and I think this book club will provide good opportunity for that. In reading the many and varied books that we have planned for the future, not only will we become better informed and well-read, but through different authors and topics our discernment will be challenged; our faith will have opportunity to grow as we learn about things like theology and the Christian life; as we spend time together in study and discussion relationships and friendships will grow; and through it all we will have the company of one another to challenge, give new thought, and hold each other accountable. I really pray the Lord will bless this endeavor we are making to become better women of Christ and help us to glorify Him through it all.
I will let you know how us "babes" get on with our books over time. :)