Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Conversations about Daddies


The other day at Elena’s swimming lessons, while waiting their turns, the girls started calling out hellos to their moms. They were all just being silly & having fun. One of the girls called out, “Hi Mommy & Daddy” waving at her parents. My little copycat waves at me & calls out, “Hi Mommy & Daddy!!”

Later, at home, I brought it up with Elena. I knew the topic of daddies was coming up more often than usual with Father’s Day nearing so wanted to initiate a conversation. I also knew she would have more awareness this year than ever before too.

I asked her why she’d called out “mommy & daddy” to me & she replied simply, “Because I wanted to.” Ooo-kaaay.

I said, “You remember that we are a mommy & kid family, right?” & she said, “and Gramma & Raina & GiGi &…” & named a bunch of the people we call family. Yes, of course.

Then I asked her, “If someone asks you if you have a daddy, what do you tell them?” She replied confidently, “I have a Gramma instead!” That's pretty good.

I then asked if they were working on crafts at preschool for Father’s Day. She confirmed they were so I asked her who she thought she’d make her craft for. I was thinking maybe she would say me but instead she said Fifi. Fifi is what Elena calls our neighbor, Felicia. How sweet!

It also confirmed to me that Elena doesn’t see me as her dad any more than I would try to fill that role. I am her Mom, period. It was something on my mind after a few conversations on some SMC boards recently. I was very curious what Elena’s perspective was.

These conversations put my mind at ease. I think, at this point, it is safe to say that Elena is pretty well adjusted.
 

P.S. Today is my 5 year Inseminaversary!!!! How do 5 years fly by so fast?