diplomacy

We have entered the era of negotiation.  And, apparently, a solid comprehension of early numbers.  Not too long ago, Esther and I had the following conversation:

Mommy:  Esther, would you like a cookie?
Esther:  How about two cookies?
Mommy:  That could probably be arranged.
Esther:  How about four cookies!
Mommy:  No, that's too many.
Esther:  How about three cookies?

(Occasionally her math skills fail her, however--today I told her she could watch half an hour of Monsters, Inc. and she said, "How about if I watch it for three minutes!"  Well, yes, three is more than half, but the units of measurement are important too!)

Yesterday she told Tim, "Daddy, I have to talk you into something!"

A dorm-mate of mine in college had a T-shirt that defined diplomacy as "letting others have my way."  Well, Esther has that quality in spades!  Actually, I've been pretty impressed at her ability to think through what might motivate other people, and to use it to influence them.

For example, when she wanted us to take her to the play place at our local mall, she said, "I have to get those wiggles out!"

And when a grandfatherly stranger in the grocery store teased that he would share her lollipop, she clutched it protectively, thought for a moment, and then announced (mindful of all my instruction about not sharing germs),  "Man!  I have a cold."