Mommy's little helper

It's funny how your kids take on habits, likes, interests and skills, and how they aren't always the ones you thought they would be for each child. For example, you would think that of my two children, a boy and a girl, the girl would be more inclined to be mommy's little helper around the house. And the boy would be too distracted with manly pursuits like playing trucks to notice a domestic chore that needed tending to. But, no, I tell you, that is not the way the cards have fallen in this house. Sydney is a wonderful daughter, but she is not too keen on helping out around the house and never has been. She'll do it if you ask her (multiple times), but otherwise, forget it. Pierce, on the other hand, has recently become my little helper. It is hilarious how he has so much initiative and really tries to help without me asking. He loves to take the recycling out to the bin in the garage, he carries folded laundry to the proper bedrooms without being asked, he helps me unload the dishwasher by putting all the kids' dishes away while I do the adult dishes. He loves to watch me cook and to "help" measure and scoop and stir and knead (and make big messes). Yesterday, I was getting ready to make a loaf of bread and Pierce said, "Wait mommy. I help you. I make the bread." I said ok without really looking at him and when I turned around he was in the fridge. "Pierce, shut the door. You don't need to be in there. Close the door please." And when I turned around he was right next to me, placing the yeast and ground flaxseed on the counter top. Those are the only two ingredients I get from the fridge to make bread. He knew exactly what to get for me. I was so proud and surprised! Later that day, our ice dispenser was going a little nuts on us and we had crushed ice all over the floor after trying (unsuccessfully) to fill a bottle with ice. Pierce saw the ice and immediately said, "I get it," and ran to the pantry. He came back with the dust pan and broom and set to sweeping up that ice (also unsuccessfully, but what a valiant effort!). I love that little boy.