Little ears

Have you ever wanted to figure out how frequently you say certain words or phrases? Get a toddler. The Kid has entered the phase where he repeats back a lot of what he hears. Sometimes, it can be a touch inappropriate. This weekend, we passed some lawmen looking for a fugitive on the highway.  After we recounted how these police were outfitted to someone else, Zeke started repeating "assault rifle assault rifle assault rifle." Nice bit of parental modeling that is.

More often, though, he will say something and we will have to stop and say, "Where did he get that?" Nice bit of parental awareness that is. It comes from us, of course, and then we realize how often he must hear us saying certain phrases. Here are some examples:

• "Oh, geez"
• "Are you kidding me?"
• "Oh, goodness"
• "That's my idea"
• "Oh, my gosh"
• "Wow, that is beautiful" (I think I say this about his artwork)
• "You're a sweet girl" (I say this to Maggie often, but Zeke says it about any female)

And, my personal favorite, said when he is pretending to be on the phone:

• "Okay, I [will] send you an email later!"