Shoop It Up

We are treated to tea now, because Grammy got A1 a tea set for Christmas.  As was the case when I treated my mother to tea as a child, I make every effort to make our tea time as realistic as possible. So, as I hold my pink plastic tea cup with pinky finger extended, I make the best realistic sipping sound I can. It sounds like, “sssshhooooop”.  At least that’s what my two year old has gleaned, because every time she brings a cup or dish to sweet daddy or I, she announces, with great authority, “Shoop it up”. And, of course, we do.  It should not amaze us, and probably even be so funny to us, because this is the same two year old who appears from her bedroom and commands us to, “listen to me, you two!” Or when we are all eating at the table, she will stop eating and with intense clarity, tell us, “Look in my eyes, I’m serious.”  Which she is, and we do. And with that, she will make a great announcement like the beans are green, or she is eating spaghetti. And then we are allowed to continue our previous conversation. Please do not mistake our allowing our precious daughter to articulate, for her usurping our authority. Because we most certainly do still require obedience from her, but why not enjoy the little moments and quips she throws our way while we’re teaching her about life. I hope you are taking time too, to listen to two year olds and perhaps,”shoop” up some tea!