Out of the Mouths of Babes

I noticed, as I was dropping Tabitha off at daycare, that there was a new girl in class. I noticed her because she was scrutinizing me carefully. She watched with great interest while I kissed Tabitha bye. Tabitha skipped off happily and I smiled at the little girl. I thought to myself, "well, here it comes, she's going to ask why Tabitha and I look different." I have read volumes now on how to discuss adoption and racial differences with curious adults and children. I know we will always be conspicuous because we look different. I paused to collect my thoughts, after all, this was pre-caffeine, and then graciously turned my attention to the child to give her an opportunity to ask her question. After all, I want to make sure that Tabitha's classmates understand that adoption is a good thing and that our family is different only in the way it was formed. I had an opportunity, maybe, to buffer my baby from being singled out for being adopted. I could smooth the way for her at least this time. "Hey, Lady," the little girl said, "are you her Grandma?" After opening and closing my mouth a few times, I told her that I am a Grandma but I am Tabitha's mama. Wow, those pre-k kids are a rough group. It was just two days after my birthday and I had convinced myself that I still looked pretty good for an old lady. Maybe I need a new brand of wrinkle cream or a face lift. I think I'm going to stick close to Tabitha from now on when I drop her off, maybe she can be a buffer for me.