you can't make this stuff up

You need to know something before I tell this story:

Our little girl loves dogs. LOVES dogs. Doggy was her first word. And almost her first ASL sign. When we're outside, she'll spot a dog from a mile away and wave her arms and shout.

Story time:

We go on a walk pretty much every day. Baby girl rides in the stroller on the way out. And she's not much of a baby anymore because she walks and pushes the stroller on the way back.

On one particular return trip this week, she was exploring every interesting little thing on the sidewalk—when she saw an ant.

She dropped to her knees and tried to touch it, but he was pretty speedy. She kept following the ant with her finger, trying to touch it. She looked up at me. She looked back at the ant. And she whispered, "Doggy."

It sounds like such a simple mix-up. And it is. She has neither the experience nor the language to name the ant correctly. But it was more than that. When she said doggy, she sounded so reverent, or in love. I just don't look at ants the same anymore.

I also don't look at strawberries the same. They make the perfect party hats...

9 comments:

faith said...

Even before I read the description of how she said it, I imagined "doggy" being said just like that. :) aren't kids just the best?!

Mr. Christopher said...

I love that little face. And I'm even willing to like ants more, because she loves those tiny doggies.

luvmymunchkins said...

That is so cute and so funny! That expression is priceless! I've seen it on your face before too;)

janel said...

The party hat face is awesome.

annie (the annilygreen one) said...

we have a little girl over here who loves ants....doggies too but mostly ants. she gets down on the ground and says, "cute!"

Unknown said...

she is the nicest little girl!

Ali said...

I laughed out loud at this story. That's the most adorable thing, and something I'm sure you'll remember forever. Love you guys.

Bryson and Tara said...

Haha! That picture is so adorable! And that is a super cute story. We need to hang out more... I think our girls would have fun together. I have visions of them having a sleepover in your yard some 14 years in the future, and Sophie pretending to talk in her sleep... :)

Mike and Lauren said...

I love those moments! Haha so fun. And that picture! You're killing me, so dang cute.