Creepy vs Cute

 

Recently, while Zibbi was visiting Agogo, the holiday sales flyers started arriving (Target and Costco, specifically).  Lotta morosely looked through the toys alone, circling the ones she wanted.  Several times, she commented how much more fun it would be if Zibbi were present.  At one point, she pointed out a blue koala bear she was about to circle.  Before I could edit myself, I proclaimed, "Ew no!  That is SOO creepy."  Lotta began to cry.  Again, mentioning how Zibbi would understand how cute the Koala was, even if I did not have the capacity.  I suggested she ask Benja, who also proclaimed the bear creepy rather than cute (although, honestly, he may not be an impartial judge, as he finds ALL dolls scary.)  Thom, wisely, refused to vote.  As Lotta renewed her sobbing, I came over and gave her a side hug, muttering, "It's ok to be wrong."  I know it was a risky move.  It could have gone horribly wrong.  But, sometimes, that makes the funniest moments, when you risk a major upset in the name of humor. Fortunately, Lotta, surprised by my comment, began to laugh amongst her tears.  (Which as quoted in the movie Steel Magnolias, is one of the best emotions, "laughter through tears".)

Another time, Zibbi was terrified of a spider in her bedroom, which had had the audacity to crawl into her bed!! I mean really.  Zibbi fled the scene, still crying, wondering how she would ever feel safe again in a world filled with spiders.  I held her and listened while she cried and explained what had happened.  Then, I said, "You know who I feel sorry for, it's that spider.  Imagine how startling it must have been to see a GIANT in her home."  Zibbi, surprised, paused.  And then, luckily, laughed.  I am super lucky they have my sense of humor.  Because really their laughter is only encouraging me.