The Sincerest Form of Flattery

It's crazy to notice at such an early age, but Olivia already seems to look up her big brother... She likes to be where Elliot is, touch the things that Elliot is touching, taste the things that Elliot is eating. Now that she's more mobile, crawling around and pulling herself to sitting and standing, the mimicking pattern is more obvious than ever (much to Elliot's chagrin, at times). Olivia just seems to enjoy being in Elliot's presence, soaking up every opportunity and hope of opportunity for interaction. One smile from Elliot, intentionally directed toward Olivia, is enough to set her giggling. It's a charming and beautiful image, played out in our home every day.

I think there must be something about the nature of human beings that simply seeks something to emulate, immitate, idolize. If it's already happening in my 9-month-old girl, then it must be fundamental to our social development. I don't understand it, and I can't explain it... but I can clearly observe it -- and in so doing, I gain an interesting insight into my own life and Life in general.