Conversing with a Toddler

"Where is Ivan," Emma asked, as I stepped a foot into Ivan's classroom this morning.

She didn't miss a beat, but immediately approached me. I was shocked because I didn't think she'd know who I was, considering I drop of Ivan so rarely. I was also shocked because I didn't know that she could speak. But Emma was the little girl who the other week came out and pulled Ivan into the classroom when Andy dropped him off and he stood in the hallway looking in, like he usually does. He's always reluctant to enter. He likes to observe first.

"His Daddy's changing his diaper because he pooped in the car."

As we got into the car this morning, the smell of poop filled the car. He must have pooped either in the car or as we were getting out of the house. He usually poops earlier in the morning and we change him before we leave, but not today.

"Why did he poop in the car?"

"It happens," I answered. "Have you ever pooped in the car?"

"Yes," Emma conceded.

Emma was standing near a table, where Alexandra, Isabella and Erica were eating. I asked them all their names. They rattled them off. Then I asked how old they were. Two, they all answered. At that point, another other little smiley girl with a twinkle in her eye skip-hopped in. It was Margaret. She also told me she was Margaret.

While I was asking all these questions, Emma went to tell Ms. Azi that she needed to potty. Isabella also said that she needed to potty. Ms. Azi replied to wait for Isabella to finish eating and she'd take them to potty. Then there was some commotion, where Isabella and Emma hit each other or something, and had to be separated and apologize. Or as Ms. Azi said, it's all about hugs and kisses, not fighting. Then there was an incident between Erica and Emma, and Erica got whiney.

All this happened within a couple of minutes. I was standing right there, participating in all of this, but it happened so fast, it's hard to reconstruct the sequence of these toddler actions. It all got resolved as quickly as it started.

Two boys, whom I didn't recognize, were playing at the other side of the room. Eventually, they sauntered over.. I asked them their names. They just looked at me. They reminded me of two little cavemen....just standing there looking rough and tough, non-communicative.

The difference between the girls and the boys was really striking.

Then Ivan and Andy appeared. Ivan had to scout out the situation, of course. But we left him in Ms. Azi's hands. She was going to sit him down and give him some cheerios to eat.

I don't know who Ivan hangs out with in daycare, but I imagine that recent outburst of talking must be the result of him observing and interacting with these little chatty girls.