Mini-Me

The old saying goes something to the effect that at some point in time in our lives we will begin to act like our parents in spite of ourselves.  In my daughter's case, it is happening a little earlier than expected.  At times it is almost like looking in the mirror, which can be quite frightening.  The similarities are not all physical.  Sure, she resembles me more so than she does Rusty but I am referring more to mannerisms and attitudes.  First of all, have you seen the poor child run?!  She will never go out for sports galloping along like a gazelle.  I sure hope that she takes to dance because she will be laughed right off of a softball field. 

Also, how can she possibly have developed the same nervous habit that I had at her age but have not exhibited in her presence, period?  I used to pull on/bite my lips constantly until I became old enough to wear lipstick, which is why you rarely see me without it.  I slip back into my old habit very easily, especially when I am stressed.  Addy does the same thing when she is uncomfortable with a situation.  Very strange!

She has also developed the practice of saying, "Sorry," for everything (even when her brother does something wrong, which he thinks is hilarious).  Well, I was once told that I was "the sorriest person that someone ever knew (meaning that I said, "I'm sorry," in a variety of situations, not just when apologizing)."  I guess that one she learned by example.  She also hates to be corrected because she knows that she has disappointed that person in some way.  Whenever she is disciplined that head goes down, bottom lip comes out, and the waterworks begin.  She cannot be consoled until you hug her and tell her that everything is going to be okay.  I secretly feel this way even today.

Then there are the slight OCD behaviors that she exhibits (I can't for the life of me figure out how those came into being).  Ever since she could walk, she has enjoyed lining things up along counter tops with perfect spacing in between.  The other day she had a meltdown because the piece of toilet paper that she had torn off had a rip at one end.  She refused to use it stating, "It's broken, Mommy, it's broken."  Images of little pieces of notebook paper cut out and glued over mistakes on my homework papers popped into my mind.  When it snowed back in December, all Addy could say when we went outside to play was, "It mess, Mommy, it dirty."  Poor thing, she doesn't stand a chance.

It is hard to see yourself manifested through the actions of your child.  I just pray that she acquires some of my positive traits and not just the negative ones.  Nothing like a little pressure to make you strive to be a better Mommy.