The Woo Gene

Did you know there is a genetic predisposition to shriek with glee?

It’s true.

It’s called the Woo Gene.  Or rather, the WOOOOO HOOOOO gene.

Almost everyone on my mom’s side of the family is afflicted with it.  It means that when a person is affected, they will spontaneously flail, jump up and down like a banshee, and shriek “WOOOOO” when they are excited.  I’ve had lots of opportunity to observe this tendency, since my mom’s side of the family gets excited every time we see them.  Granted, they all live in Australia, so reunions are a big deal.  And trust me, everyone in the vicinity is highly aware of the reunion, the commotion, and the Woo Gene.

Greta has the Woo Gene.

Maren has learned how to ride her two-wheeler this spring/summer.  Greta witnessed much of the learning and cheering and coaching and encouraging that went on during the relatively short period of time it took Maren to get the hang of it.

As a result, Greta runs behind Maren every time Maren goes for a bike ride.  She also claps wildly and enthusiastically.  While running.  It’s amazing she doesn’t wipe out.

She abandons her own bike, or scooter, or doll stroller.

She runs, and she claps, and she shouts and the top of her lungs, “Go Maren!  Yaaaaay Maren!  WOOOO HOOOO Maren!”  This continues for the duration of the bike ride, though if Maren gets too far ahead of us, Greta takes a break.  All that cheering is exhausting.

It’s amusing if you can imagine it: this little pipsqueak frantically running and clapping  down the sidewalk cheering avidly for her big sister’s accomplishment.

Today while riding bikes at the park, she did the same thing to her little friends.  She kept turning to me and saying, “Wook Mom!  He/She’s doing it!  Goooooo (insert-friend’s-name-here)!!  Woooooo!”

I love Greta’s enthusiasm  and passion.  I’m sure all of the local bike riders appreciate the support.  I love that she got the Woo Gene.

(Other carriers of the Woo Gene: you know who you are.  If you’re not sure, ask your children (my cousins).  They’ll tell you the truth.)