Monday, November 19, 2012

Thanksgiving


What day is it?"
It's today," squeaked Piglet.
My favorite day," said Pooh.”
― A.A. Milne


Teaching a child how to give thanks is important. At 18 months, Claire's a bit young, though. We won't be volunteering together or making a gratitude tree any time soon.

Anyway, she's a walking lesson in living in the moment. She finds wonder in all things great and small without any lesson from me.

I'm the one who's grateful to see the world anew through her eyes.

She hands objects to me throughout the day, a twig, a pea that's rolled under her highchair, sometimes something she's pulled out of her nose. I'm not sure if the objects are significant to her in and of themselves. Or if they become valuable out of the joy of discovery. Maybe, it's because she's given each one to me. Whatever the reason, I ponder each treasure closely in my palm and say, "Thank you, Claire."

About a week ago, I gave her a piece of apple. She looked at me and said, "Thank you, Mama."

I hadn't expected to hear these words from her for the first time then. She's not yet 18 months old, yet I have the great honor of witnessing a nascent sense about giving and receiving growing inside of her.

She is more than I ever expected on this Thanksgiving holiday. And every day.

49 comments:

  1. They know more than we think!!

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  2. That's so cute. What a lovely little girl she is turning out to be.

    Also, I got your message about learning new stuff on blogger. There are a couple of tutorials on my blog - if you click on free there is a guide to making your own tabs bar and buttons. On my tips page there are posts on how to brighten your photos and how to make your own social media buttons. Feel free to use those.

    If you have more questions you can always email me - sarahevanswriting(at)gmail(dot)com

    Sarah @ A Cat-Like Curiosity

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    1. Thanks, Sarah. I will check out your tips. I wouldn't even begin to know how to make a button. I can't even figure out how to "grab" one for my blog!

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  3. So beautiful. They are so amazing at this age.

    Glad to see you on TALU again today!

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    1. Yes, I find I like my daughter a lot these days.

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  4. OK, have to ask ... a gratitude tree??? Sounds like a Thanksgiving tablescape concept where everyone hangs tags on a little tree indicating what they're thankful for??? [#TALU]

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    1. Pretty much on target! I've read about it with construction paper, but a centerpiece would be even better!

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  5. Aw, that's a really nice story about your little one. :) Happy Thanksgiving.

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  6. I love your blog! I am your newest follower and was hoping that you would stop by my blog and consider following me back.

    www.enjoyingtheepiphany.com

    Thanks,
    Sarah

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    1. Thanks, Sarah. I enjoyed the epiphany as well!

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  7. Awww, Rachel, this was so sweet. So beautiful. Love what you're doing!
    Thanks for linking up with the TALU!

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  8. That is precious. Oh, they are always listening and watching and learning, especially at that age! I love it! Visiting from the TALU! Happy Thanksgiving!

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  9. Your daughter sounds so wonderful! I have trouble getting my kids to say please and thank you at restaurants but they are older. I am your latest follower from the Welcome Wednesday blog hop so come on over and say hi and have a cocktail with me www.cocktailsatnaptime.blogspot.com

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  10. beautiful.

    Aloha Sweet Friend,

    The ladies and I are starting to gather a bit early this week so that we can take our turkey loving time mingling and growing together over the next few days.

    Thank you for linking up with us last week, thank you for sharing your sweet energy with all of us... thank you for being beautiful you.

    Come join us if you please.
    xo,
    Nicole
    localsugarhawaii.com

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    1. Enjoy your turkey, Nicole! Thanks for your sweet comments.

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  11. I think they understand more than we give them credit for at that age. :)

    Happy Thanksgiving!

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    1. Sometimes that's a good thing; sometimes not! I think she makes me a better person, because I'm more aware of my actions now that I have to be a role model for her.

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  12. She sounds lovely. Congratulations!

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  13. Isn't that a moment? I'm so glad you put it into writing. I've had to train my daughters on it, but The Boy has been so polite right from the start, always saying please and thank you even before I could quite understand him.

    I want to take just a moment and tell you thank you for writing. Your words, no matter the topic, are so soothing. Perfect for a (sometimes) weary mother of 3 to help remember the joys of the first! Happy Thanksgiving.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words, Tamara! They came at a time when I really needed them.

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    2. I'm so glad my words helped. I think that's what the community of bloggers is all about - reaching out and supporting one another!

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  14. Always a treat to read your posts. Love Clair.
    Thank you for sharing and linking up to the Empowered Living hop, hope to see you back again.

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  15. Delightful post about 'gratitude' and parenting ~ She is adorable and photo is excellent ~ (A Creative Harbor) ^_^

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  16. Awww, I love it. I think it's so wonderful when children know "please" and "thank you," and use them. It's the first step to teaching them gratitude and kindness, and I think that's great! hope your Thanksgiving was amazing!

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    1. We had a lovely Thanksgiving, thanks. Hope your was to!

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  17. you got an amazing baby! enjoy every second

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  18. Ah I love that story. There is nothing sweeter than your baby telling you "Thank you." My son is 19 months and has started saying it everything he gets what he wants. It is the sweetest thing ever. I love kids that have (and use) their manners.

    I'm Katie & I found you at Aloha Friday Weekend Blog hop! You can find me at bitofwine.blogspot.com

    Make it a great weekend!

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    1. Yes, their little voices just make it extra sweet!

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  19. Just gorgeous. The twinlets learnt very early on to say "thank you" to each other. It's very sweet to see. They will also give each other food and drink without prompting from us. It's heart melting.
    Thanks for linking up with FYBF.

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    1. Saying "thank you" to each other is even more amazing!

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  20. You're modeling good manners-she's learning from you. :-)

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  21. So sweet!! Thanks for sharing with my NO RULES Weekend Blog Party :))

    Paula
    lifeasweknowitbypaula.blogspot.com

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  22. It is quite heartwarming and eye opening to see how empathic and kind little kids can be amidst the other moments when they don't want to share with their siblings! ;-)

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  23. That was so sweet and quick- just like childhood. Gracias for the memories. BB2U

    P.S. Here from the Weekend Showcase, and I'll be back!

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    1. I don't think words are to be wasted. I had said enough! Glad you enjoyed. And come back anytime. I'll see you too at Bohemian Babushka!

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  24. AAAWWWW. Simply so sweet. I love seeing the world through my daughter's eyes.

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    1. Thank you, Angela! I loved how you saw the world through your daughter's eyes in a purple tutu! :)

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