Note to self: More Cyberchase. Less Disney.

My little girl is growing up, and it's hilarious.

One of Arielle's schoolmates lives near us, so his mom and I take turns driving them. Naturally, the kids have become good friends, but Arielle (who loves everyone she meets with all of her little heart) has become especially attached to Jacob. The last time Arielle was dropped off, Jacob's Mom shared with me the following exchange between the two of them.

Arielle: "Jacob, I love you!"

No response

Arielle: "Jacob, I love you!"

Jacob (said, I am told, with a certain amount of impatience): "I know."

Today, the conversation was continued.

Arielle: "Jacob, I love you!"

Jacob (muttering): "I know."

Short pause

Arielle (said in a decidly flirtatious tone): "How do I look?"

Jacob ignores her, concentrating on the papers he is bringing home from school.

Arielle (all but batting her eyes): "How do I look?"

Still no response from Jacob.

Arielle (laying the back of her hand against her cheek): "How do I look?"

Jacob (resignedly): "Fine."

We pull into Jacob's driveway and I hop out to open his door.

Arielle: "Jacob! Give me a hug and a kiss!" (This is from sending Daddy off to work with a hug and a kiss every day. That has gradually extended to the rest of the family, so that now everyone needs a hug and a kiss whenever they will be out of sight for more than a few minutes. Obviously Jacob is now a member of the family!)

Jacob works on his seat buckle, ignoring Arielle.

Arielle (arms stretched out to Jacob): "Jacob! Hug and a kiss!"

Jacob: Runs off past his mother, through his front door, where he disappears from sight.

Mommies: Trying very hard to stifle their laughter.

Bless her pure, honest, loving little heart.