From the Mouth of Sofia (Smart)

Conversation with Sofia this morning en route to school:

Sofia (a propos of nothing): Daddy, only boys can be called dude.

Me: Sofia, “dude” just means a cool person.  If I can’t call you dude, I’ll just call you “cool person.”

Sofia: Daddy, that’s so smart!

Me: You’re smart.

Sofia: You’re the smartest!

Me: Even smarter than Ms. Merike?  [Sofia’s teacher]

Sofia (following a prolonged thoughtful pause): Daddy … you're smart.