So much of Kate’s behavior is normal that I am struck when she surprises me with something unusual. A couple of things have happened in the past day or so. The first occurred late Thursday when we were preparing to leave for dinner. All day she had been wearing two tops that didn’t match. At first, the one on top was inside out. I mentioned it to her, and she began to take it off. I asked if she wanted me to tell her. She said, “Absolutely.” Then I told her I didn’t think the one on top matched the one underneath. She said, “Who cares?” I let it go as I usually do.
As we were about ready to leave for dinner, she was still wearing the unmatched tops. I suggested she might change for dinner. She accepted my suggestion and only asked, “What would you like me to wear?” I brought her something else, and she put it on. As we were walking toward the door, I noticed that she was carrying the two tops she had just taken off along with a robe. I told her I didn’t think would need those; so she left the tops in our bedroom. She came back with the robe in her arms and took it with her to the car. I didn’t say a word. I’ll never know what motivated her to take her robe with her.
Last night something else happened. She had gone to bed about 8:00 while I took a shower. I usually turn out the lights and leave her in the bedroom to sleep while I turn on some music in the family room and read. I don’t usually hear from her until the next morning. About 9:15, she came into the family room and asked if I would come to bed with her. She said, “It’s easier for me to go to sleep if you’re with me.” I joined her.
When I got in bed, I held her. In a moment, she said, “You’re my daddy. I feel safer when you are here.” Then she said, “I’m your little girl.” I assured her that she was. A couple of times she said something else and called me, “Daddy.” Then she appeared to go to sleep.
When things like this happen, I try to imagine what was going on in her brain. I’ll never know.
