Empathy

This morning Joely noticed a small cut on my right thumb, and wanted to put a bandage and some cream (Polysporin) on this "ouchie". I stood and watched as she carefully spread the cream on my thumb with her little finger, and then ever so gently placed the bandage. Then she looked at me with her big blue eyes and asked if it felt better.

About 15 minutes later, she was out "helping" me put Lucy's car seat in Tan's car (i.e. she was crawling all over the precise spot I needed to get at in order to properly mount the seat). When we were done, she stood in the car doorwell, and prepared to jump out as per usual. As usual, I offered her my hand, in case she wanted it (sometimes she does, sometimes she doesn't). Without really looking, she went to take my hand in preparation for the big jump. Just as her hand touched mine, she pulled it away quickly, asked that I hold out my other hand and said, "I don't want to hurt your ouchie, Daddy."