A Telling Photo

I received a photo of the little angel and her five back-up singers from one of the other mamas at the Emerald City yesterday. It was taken in the spring, probably around the one-year mark for her.  The Waddler Posse is sitting in one of those red-and-white striped buggies so popular with Midwestern daycares.  The little angel is in the front row, next to the other mama's daughter, S.  Our favorite J. is in the back row, sporting a wicked Afro of a height I don't remember, but I'm sure I noticed at the time.

Things of note about this photo: 

• J's Afro - I can't look away. 
• S and the little angel seem to be wearing matching hats.  I don't recognize the angel's hat, so who knows what she stole when nobody was looking.
• The little angel has her ankles neatly crossed, as if to inquire if the driver will be back soon, and is he bringing crumpets?
• She's sucking on a paci in broad, non-napping daylight despite my instructions at the time NEVER EVER to let her have it when not sleeping.  Thankfully, they soon lost it, and that prompted that speedy paci removal at sixteen months.
• She's inexplicably not wearing shoes. 

A gander into what happens when mama is not watching.  I think it is most likely good that she gets this weekday time during which less paranoid people are taking care of her.  Heaven knows she gets to emulate Kate Hudson a lot more, anyway.