365 Days of Abby: Abby See, Abby Do

Abby has always been wonderful at imitating those around her, both what they say and what they do. I've often wondered if this would get us into trouble one day, but so far so good. She hasn't come out with anything too embarrassing yet while we were in public, and if she did, typically we are the only ones that can really understand what she's talking about, so when we translate we "bend" the truth a bit.

This ability to mimic has helped to make Abby a fabulous actress. Rarely have I heard a child so convincingly yell, "I love KUNG FU!" as she holds onto the chair on which she is sitting. I can completely envision her flying through the air (just like that nutty panda), as she provides her own sound effects and thrashes around, only to fall dramatically to the floor and exhibit surprised wonder as she is chosen the next Dragon Warrior. She also does a pretty mean rendition of the "Princess Fiona Song", you know the one - the one Fiona sings to the bird that eventually blows up because of her warbling? Abby even provides the "poof" sound at the point at which that poor animal meets its demise. I won't bore you with all of the the movie bits Abby can do, but I will tell you that sometimes it's hard to even watch a movie when Abby is around - because it is so much more entertaining to watch her.

As charming as all of this may sound though, there are times when this can get a bit exasperating. Like when she has to have her green skirt on while watching Tinker Bell, or when she needs her dancing shoes when listening to music, or when she must wear her superhero mask when "The Incredibles" is on. Woe be unto Mom if I can't find what she needs, when she needs it. Like any diva, it is not pretty when her specifications aren't met exactly. Clearly the kid is all about authenticity in her acting.

What makes her such an excellent thespian, though, is not that she can so convincingly play the parts and use the props that are "given" to her, but that she truly empathizes with the characters. I remember one time, while watching "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" when I looked up to see she had such a sad look on her face. I asked her if she was okay, to which she responded, "So sad, Mama." Before I had a chance to look her over for wounds, she pointed to the screen and I realized that the movie was at the point where Joseph's brothers sell him into slavery - yes, a very sad occurrence indeed. Tonight, as she was eating her dinner and watching "Pooh's Heffalump Movie" I was surprised to have her come into the kitchen, where I was finishing up a few things, with her head hanging and telling me that she wanted to cuddle. I wondered at this strange timing, until I heard what was happening in her movie and realized that Roo was enjoying some cuddles with Kanga after a harrowing escape from a pit. Abby needed her Mama, just like Roo needed his. After a few moments with Mom, Abby was able to shake it off and declare that she was "happy now."

I have to say that we love seeing her do all of this, it is so charmingly funny, but we have to be careful, because lately she has taken to being offended or embarrassed if we laugh a little too much at her antics - this is serious business to her after all. So we hide our smiles behind our hands and we cheer and clap when she is finished, as is expected of a good audience. Therefore, don't be surprised if one day you see Abby the actress on the big (or little) screen, with all this training she's bound to make a name for herself!