Simba Happy?

One of the best things about parenting is watching your little helpless lump emerge into a human being with his very own personality.

And oh what a personality!

One of Judah's strongest traits is his interest in other people's emotions.

Judah loves people, especially his nanny's daughter.

Whenever we read books, he's always pointing at various characters and asking if they're happy.  Sometimes they are.  But other times they clearly aren't.

Judah happy?  Heck yes!

There's a scene in the Lion King where Simba is clearly distraught because his dad just died saving his life.  Judah ALWAYS flips to that page and asks "Simba happy?"  And I tell him for the 300th time, "No Judah, Simba is sad because his daddy died."  I know, heavy stuff for a 1 year old!  What were you thinking Disney?

But the funny thing is Judah LOVES maudlin books.  His favorite books and illustrations are the ones with extremely sad emotions.  He even tears up sometimes when we get to the most dramatic parts. 

I'll never forget the first time we read Llama Llama Red Pajama and the momma llama and baby llama re-unite after a traumatizing absence.  I looked at my baby's eyes filling with tears and I thought "Oh my sweet precious boy."

But it doesn't stop me from manipulating his sensitive little soul.

Often times the easiest way to get Judah to comply is to act like I'm really sad.  For example, Judah hates eating.  And after cajoling him proves fruitless yet again, I'll put on a very sad face and say "Judah, mommy sad because you don't eat.  Mommy sad.  Boohoo!"

And sure enough, Judah opens his mouth for a bite and says "Mommy happy?"

Feels kinda wrong, but hey, the kid's gotta eat!