An odd talent

Over the past couple days Madeline has discovered a new noise. It's hard to describe, but it's something like a muffled, staccato throat clearing. I call it her dolphin noise (even though it really doesn't sound much like a dolphin at all, come to think of it).

Anyway, she can make this noise on command, and enjoys doing it. I, on the other hand, am completely incapable of replicating the sound. The funny thing is that Madeline knows when I am trying to do it (even though it sounds nothing like her version), and she starts smiling and making the noise in answer to my attempts. She's taken mimicry to a new, insulting level. It's like she's saying, "What, Dad, are you trying to do this . . ." and laughing as she flaunts her peculiar ability. That's my girl!

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Tonight - I believe for the first time - Madeline, Lacey and I had the same thing for dinner, and that's the last time I eat strained peas! But seriously, Lacey concocted a tantalizing stew of sweet potatoes, chicken and various seasonings, and all the ingredients were suitable for Madeline as well. Madeline's meal was all mashed up, but otherwise identical to ours, and she devoured it appreciatively.