The Three Little Bears

When my Mom was visiting two weeks ago, she told Tess the story of the three little bears. A few days after she left, we found a book of the tale at the library. Tess was delighted, and has asked for several readings a day ever since. (Much to my dismay, I have to admit.) She knows a good portion of it by heart now, and will tell it when prompted.

The other night she began to cry when she was falling asleep. I came over to comfort her, and trying to distract her, I said, "once upon a time, there was a girl named..."(and here I paused trying to think of a name). I suggested, "Samantha." Tess shook her head no. "Tess?" Tess shook her head. "Thessalonica?" "No."

"What's should her name be?" I finally asked.
"Goldilocks," Tess said in a whisper.

***
When Tess tells the story, she can't remember how to describe the Mama Bear's possessions. "Middle-sized" or "Mama-sized" or "Medium-sized" just won't stick no matter how many times I say they to her. Instead, when she's asked, she says, "A little bed, a second bed, and a BIG bed."