My Mini-Me

So, when Charley was born, she looked nothing like me. She was the spitting image of her father. But at the same time, it was clear she had my personality. She’s been spunky, stubborn, and well, a handful since day one. So it’s no surprise that she currently shares some of MY interests. I guess that’s what happens when kids spend 95% of their time with one person. They pick up mannerisms, key phrases, facial expressions, and personality. It’s so much fun!

When people ask me about Charley I always describe her as a hoot or a character. That’s because she is so hilarious to me. She says things like, “O.M.G.” and “Charley’s so beautiful.” She consistently blames my sister for every bad habit she has picked up (e.g. “DeeDee says shut up,”). One of my favorite stories is about how Charley looked at my mom, and said, “Nana, calm down.” My mom tends to be a busy-body, and the comment was perfectly timed. It was classic. At bed time, we read a story every night. Then, when I turn out the lights she always requests The Three Little Pigs, followed by Goldilocks and the Three Bears. That’s not the funny part. Then she asks for Rachel. And by Rachel, she is referring to Rachel from Friends. So, I basically recite an episode of the show, and she falls asleep. Yup, my kid is one of a kind. Friends isn’t the only show she’s into. She also likes Modern Family. When she started yelling STELLA at the top of her lungs when we walked Oscar yesterday (just like Cam did, in one of Charley’s favorite episodes), I knew it had gone too far. That’s just Charley, though. She is completely a mini-me.

That brings me to the excitement of my day, yesterday. I took Charley to buy a leotard, because she starts gymnastics on Saturday. She was so cute, trying on leotards with her chubby little legs and her diaper! Unfortunately the cutest one she tried on was scratchy material, so that was quickly ruled out, but I like the one she ended up with. I am SO excited to see how she does in the gym. I started gymnastics when I was three, and was, according to my parents and coaches, incredibly focused. I’m not certain Charley will be so focused, but I don’t really care. I just want her to have fun, and get a chance to participate in a structured class. Again, I can’t wait! It’s a proud moment for a coach and former gymnast. It’s my first chance to see if she is going to be into my sport or not! I guess we’ll see…

I thought I would venture into my virtual classroom for today’s teaching post. I had been working with a little boy I’ll call Ethan, for several months. I noticed that some days he would come to class full of affection and praise (I love you Mrs. Pierron. I love you!). On other days, however, he would show up late, and crabby. The poor kid had a rough home life, and he really struggled academically, so I never knew what to expect. One day, Ethan came into class in one of his moods. He refused to use the microphone, and typed random letters in the chat box, instead of answering questions. Finally, I asked him to stop messing around, and answer my question. His response? He typed “F you,” in the chat box. He didn’t type the actual word, just “F you.” I had a hard time not laughing as I scolded him, telling him that I would not accept that kind of language in my classroom. I told him that I was going to remove him from the class for the day, and he would have to schedule a make-up time with me on a later date. So, I kicked him out. Two minutes later, he was back in the class, and typing away in the chat box, F you! F you! I kicked him out again, and this time he didn’t return. When I talked to his Learning Coach about it, she apologized and said he was mad because he was missing recess to attend my class. So, I rescheduled it, and I’ve had a happy Ethan, ever since.