My youngest niece Ella and I have had a bit of a love-hate relationship. For the first two years of her life, I have most certainly not been her favorite person. I sounded a lot like her Mommy, I looked a lot like her Mommy, but I most definitely was NOT her Mommy. Perhaps it was because I saw her so infrequently that she just didn’t know me, but every time I would try to do something for her or help her, she would just tell me, “No! Mama do it!” And trying to get some love from her was like pulling teeth.
And I still might not be her most favorite person, but I think Ella and I finally had a breakthrough this past week.
She has become very quick witted and an incredibly funny little girl. And while trying to keep up with her older sisters and cousins this week she finally let me “in” a little. We bonded. And then I found her button – and I pushed it just to see her get riled up. It was the most fun. And I think, although she pretended like she didn’t like it, she enjoyed the good-natured teasing as much as I did.
One day she had a comeback that was a little sassy and I called her Miss Sassy Molassy, usually a title I reserve for Addison. And, well, Miss Ella did not really care for that. “No Aunt Bean, I Ella!” she proclaimed.
So of course I had to come up with a new nickname for her.
“I think we should call you SasserElla.”
“NO! I Cinderella!”
“Nah, I think you are a SasserElla!”
“No, I just Ella!”
We had this same conversation several times this past week. And it cracked me up every time. At one point when I was teasing her she looked at me and with a deadpan expression she just said, “Then you are SpongeBob, Aunt Bean!”
I’ll take it. I’ll be her SpongeBob if it means that I can be on her good side for a change.
That is exactly how it was! I think she adores you and enjoys the teasing too. Awesome best shot for today, even if I might be a little bias. Miss you.
I have been having a similar relationship with A Free Man’s son Boy Z. Every time I make a ‘breakthrough’ with him and get one of his smiles it’s just like the sun coming out
. Last weekend it was doing ‘Round and Round the Garden Like a Teddy Bear’ that finally made him smile. Glad you’re making progress with Sasserella, Miss SongeBob!!
Aww…that’s sweet! Glad you are breaking through the ice with your little niece.
Whatever it take, right? Sweet picture of your sweet niece.
Are you sure that’s really a picture of Ella now, and not an old one of Addie?! Holy moley the resemblance is unreal! So glad you’re sassed your way into her sweet little heart.
Isn’t she a cutie! And isn’t it funny how you have to really work to get into some kids’ good graces? But then once you do, oh the rewards!