Semantics

Clio experienced her first birthday party this weekend, in celebration of Zuzu, one of the Perch Babies. It was a really lovely backyard affair, with big beach balls for each of the kids, and lots of toys to "share." Clio does not like to share. she likes to offer you a toy and, when you try to take it, decide she'd like to keep it for herself. Also, like most babies her age, (and men, for that matter), she covets whatever her neighbor might have. Surprisingly, we heard over and over what a "sweet little girl" she is. Often from parents of the other toddlers. Often from parents of the other toddlers while Clio was stealing those toddlers' toys.

Watching Clio do a full sweep of the blanket, I found myself wondering, are they confused? Perhaps when they say "sweet," they really mean "cute"? After all, on a humid day she does have ringlets that have been called "cherubic." And she does smile a lot, and laugh at people's jokes. We can agree that she is one cute kid.

In order to help sort things out (and being, on occasion, not so gracious with compliments), I might offer other word choices. "She can be pretty willful," I'll say. "Oh, she's just independent- that's good!" Is a common response. When I say that she can be a little, well, aggressive, I'm reminded of my friend Tim's dog Sadie, a beautiful and petite yellow lab that everyone always wanted to pet. "She's not friendly," Tim would say with a smile- and clenched teeth. Clio is friendly- but it's true that she can be surprisingly willful, and yes, even aggressive, for one who, at first glance, might look a little sweet.

Don't believe me? Well, there were so many pictures of her hoarding toys, it was hard to choose the best ones:

A two-handed maneuver:


Taking on two at once...
And how about this sequence: She's got her eye on Henry's toy...(Note the toy Isaac is playing with behind her)

Captured...
Discarded, and onto Isaac's.


Oh, Clio. As Olivia would say, We love you anyway.