If you're happy and you know it...

I can't take credit for the quote above. I found it on the Internets, but this is something I would've totally said. Growing up, I was too smart for my own good. Daddy taught me strong, big, powerful, 50 cent words. They were so advanced that my 1st grade teacher had a difficult time understanding what i was talking about half the time. As a result, I decided to talk less.

Somewhere along the way, I forgot those words. I know they are tucked away in my brain somewhere. But when it came for me to use them, when it "mattered" most (aka SAT and other college entrance exams), they escaped in the night. It's ok. I got along just fine.

And then yesterday, something brilliant happened. Don paused me for a half second and said watch this...

He had Mari perched on his lap. I was fully expecting him to toss our little one in the air and for her to do some insane back flip with a half twist. (yes, because don't most fathers like to play cirque de soleil with their toddler, no? hmmm...) Instead, he started singing.

if you're happy and you know it...

And she clapped her hands.

If you're happy and you know it clap your hands. If you're happy and you know it, then your face will surely show it! If you're happy and you know it clap your hands.

With each little utterance of clap and the melody, she clapped her hands. And it was genius! Yes, I was a bubbly mess, but I can't tell you how proud I was. This song was and always has been a favorite of mine. Many times when I was growing up and I felt like a loner, I would sing this song to cheer myself up. And just like that, little Miss made my day. What do you know, I didn't feel as sickly and life was a whole lot brighter.

Now, I can't wait for those Nerd Flashcards to come in from Uncommon Goods! I will teach my daughter 1 billion words. Special words. Funky words. Words in different languages. Yes, I'll teach my daughter 1 billion words!