Could My Daughter Be the Next Tina Fey?

Last night, millions of viewers bid farewell to one of television's most beloved characters of all time: Liz Lemon. For so many of us awkward, nerdy, trying-to-make-it-in-this-crazy-world gals, she was an icon. For me, specifically, the Other Liz was a hero.
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This undated image released by NBC shows Tina Fey as Liz Lemon in a scene from "30 Rock." Fey was nominated for an Emmy award for outstanding actress in a comedy series on Thursday, July 19, 2012. The 64th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be presented Sept. 23 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and airing live on ABC. (AP Photo/NBC, Ali Goldstein)
This undated image released by NBC shows Tina Fey as Liz Lemon in a scene from "30 Rock." Fey was nominated for an Emmy award for outstanding actress in a comedy series on Thursday, July 19, 2012. The 64th annual Primetime Emmy Awards will be presented Sept. 23 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles, hosted by Jimmy Kimmel and airing live on ABC. (AP Photo/NBC, Ali Goldstein)

Last night, millions of viewers bid farewell to one of television's most beloved characters of all time: Liz Lemon. For so many of us awkward, nerdy, trying-to-make-it-in-this-crazy-world gals, she was an icon. For me specifically, a struggling writer who posts here with the intent to tickle your Mommy Funnybone -- and whose favorite "dress up" outfit once consisted of a chunky red turtleneck sweater, black leather pants from Old Navy (I know, I know), white gym socks and red New Balance sneakers -- the Other Liz was a hero.

Fade out on wistful nostalgia. Cut to poignant parenting moment.

Earlier in the day, during a painfully unsuccessful attempt to teach my 15-month-old to color with crayons, something unexpected happened. Unprompted, she picked up the ripped, drool-soaked piece of yellow construction paper and lifted it up to veil her eyes.

She was instigating Peek-a-Boo. She was doing her first comedy bit -- and by the grin on her face, she thought she was killing it.

"Well, look at that," I said to her. "You're a regular George Carlin." Truth be told, I personally never found George Carlin that funny. But, let's be honest: on a scale of 1 to Fey, Peek-a-Boo registers at a negative Leno. Even so, I played along with her routine until the violent Hulk-style arching of her back against the high chair's harness suggested she'd had enough. "And... scene!" I believe the saying goes.

I'd often wondered if my daughter would have a sense of humor, and it seems I got my answer. So peace out, Liz Lemon. Yesterday, the world met its brand new funny girl... and she's my hero.

Read more from Liz Kozak at poseypieproductions.com.

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