Poo-Poo Heads: Experiencing the Four-Year Old’s Sense of Humor

At some point in the last month or two, Lillian has begun to apply the words “poo-poo” for comic effect. This turns ordinary words into uproariously funny ones. So, if you say: “Lillian, it’s time to put on your shoes,” she might respond “I’ll put on my poo-poo shoes,” followed by several minutes of uncontrolled laughter.

I suspect the influence of some of her peers; I imagine there is an unending line of slightly older four-year olds transmitting to slightly younger ones the joys of potty humor—a line that stretches back many thousands of years—a line of transmission in which my own four-year old self undoubtedly played a part long ago.

In the picture above, Lillian has used her magic wand to turn her grandfather from a poo-poo head into a poo-poo frog. She is most pleased with herself.

Fashion News

Lillian’s mom Amy surprised her with a new and very fashionable raincoat, which she got to wear during this week’s downpours. That’s an alien and a spaceship on the bottom of it and the hood looks like a space helmet. Lillian wore it every chance she got — outside and inside. She likes it. A lot.

Lillian’s Float Test

Lillian and her teachers Mr. Charlie and Ms. Lindsey

On Thursday, Lillian took (and passed) her third float test at the Houston Swim Club. She wore sneakers, blue jeans and a long sleeve shirt. Her instructor took her to the middle of the pool and threw her in; then she had to either remain afloat for five minutes or swim to the side of the pool without any verbal or physical assistance. The premise is that if you fall into water accidentally, you are unlikely to be in your swim suit, so the test makes sure you know what to do and what it feels like to be in the water fully dressed. Her ePa’s attempt to video the test was unsuccessful: she passed her test, he failed his.

When she made it to the side, the lifeguard rang a bell and everyone cheered. She got a certificate, a t-shirt and a bell and was pretty pleased with herself.

Lillian’s Hazard Removal Service

As we walked home from school today, a branch, fallen from a tree, blocked our path. Lazy ePa suggested walking around it. Lillian thought that this was not proper, so she removed it from our path and then explained to ePa the dangers that would have ensued had she not taken the time to clear the branch out of the way.

Who…Me?

Lillian’s Yia-Yia got her a new swim suit this Christmas. She likes it.

She’s swimming twice a week, and enjoying it. Happily, the pool is indoors. And heated.

Happy New Year 2015!

Amy, Snowman and Lillian in Michigan

Lillian and Katelyn in Huntington, Texas

Lillian, Amy and Josh have been on an extended road trip, first to visit Amy’s family in Michigan, then to see Josh’s family in Lufkin and Huntington, Texas. Lillian’s Na-Na, Peggy Denby, sent the picture of the two. There is a rumor that both girls have a fondness for the color pink.