A conversation from my daughter?s point of view

Emily is 18 months old. Over the weekend we were driving in our truck with me in the driver's seat, Patti in the passenger seat and Emily in a car seat in the middle of the back. Our truck has an extended cab so she is able to sit back there. Here is how a simple exchange went between her and us from her point of view.

Situation: Emily had a cup with some juice in it in her hand. On the space in the front seat between myself and Patti was a bag with stuff for Emily.

(Emily thinking: This juice is good. Look at that pretty car. This music is good, better than sports talk radio he usually puts on. Ooh, there?s some crackers up there.)

<u><b>Emily</b></u>: Chatcher.

<u><b>Patti</b></u>: What sweetie?

<u><b>Emily</b></u>: Chatcher. Please.

<u><b>Patti (looking back at Emily): </b></u>What do you want hon?

<u><b>Emily</b></u>: Please. Chatcher.

<u><b>Patti </b></u>(looking around): You want more juice?

<u><b>Emily</b></u>: (Emily thinking: no no no. A cracker. I would like a cracker). Chatcher.

<u><b>Patti</b></u>: You want some raisins??

<u><b>Emily</b></u>: (Emily thinking: what is going on here? Why can?t she just give me some delicious cheddar cheese flavored Cheese Nip crackers? They?re right there!) PLEASE! CHATCHER!

<u><b>Me</b></u>: What is it boo-boo? What do you need?

<u><b>Emily</b></u>: (Emily thinking: Oh great, now he is doing it?) Chatcher.

<u><b>Patti</b></u>: I?m sorry hon, but I don?t know what you want?

<u><b>Emily</b></u>: (Emily thinking: I want one of those crackers that are sitting in that ziplock bag on top of my stuff. They?re right there, right in front of you. RIGHT THERE!! What is wrong with you people? Why can?t you just give me a cracker. JUST ONE.) chatcher. Please. Chatcher. (Emil thinking: I am pointing right at them).

<u><b>Patti</b></u>: Sweetie, you?re pointing at the steering wheel, do you want to drive?

<u><b>Emily</b></u>: (Emily thinking: What?? Drive?? Are you crazy?? I. Just. Want. A. Cracker). Chatcher. Chatcher. Chatcher.

<u><b>Patti</b></u>: Oh, a cracker. You want a cracker. (hands her a couple of crackers).

<u><b>Emily</b></u>: (Emily thinking: Finally. Some crackers. Thank you). Shank Few.