Our Little Socialist

About to make some sort of decree, I'm sure. Will they listen?

Since he started talking we've noticed Jude is a bit of a... hmm....well, socialist. Maybe even a communist. He's our household Karl Marx.

Jude believes, with fervor, that everyone nearby should be participating in any activity he's enjoying, and everyone should have their share of whatever. Free will and uneven distribution of goods doesn't sit well with him.

If he takes a bite of something, Mama should too. Then Daddy. If he decides to do something odd just to see what it's like - like put a leaf in his mouth - Mama can expect to be told to do so as well, then Daddy. It doesn't matter if you're doing something else (using the bathroom, driving, plucking your eyebrows), if Jude knows you're in the vicinity you'll hear your name yelled by a toddler version of Lenin, but friendlier: "Daddy do it!" "Mama take a bite!" "DADDY. BITE."

Group activity at a farm in Cadillac, MI. Jude is pleased.

When he's gotten everyone to do whatever, he gets a huge look of satisfaction in his eyes and positively beams.

His personality has a strong streak of independence, but let me tell you, the boy loves group activities. Don't balk.

tiny

Jude's favorite adjective lately is also my most favorite of all his new words. Wanna know what it is? Squint a second.

It's tiny.

And when he says it, it's a really tiny word.

A few examples: we're in the backyard and he finds a very small berry lying in the dirt next to a hosta plant. He bends down, picks it up and shows it to me. "Tiny," he says.

We're outside and he's riding his four-wheeled bike. A plane flies overhead, high up in the sky. He looks up and points, then looks at me. "Mama! Tiny." (Stop it now. Heads are exploding three blocks away.)

Jude, listen. When you say "tiny" in your tiny voice that comes out of your tiny body, you are asking to be squished. So don't act surprised when it happens.

Here he is giving me a hug. Then he says "circle", and "tiny". He's relentless.