I do believe our little ones pick up on our emotions. I have a new baby who is very small. She is always under foot. I have accidently stepped on her little paws a couple times, and then shut the bathroom door once on her paw, I wanted to die
I gave her lots of cuddles and love , and checked her over so many times to make sure she was ok. Miley just licked my face , and it felt like she was telling me, that she was ok. I am always telling my son to be careful, be careful around Miley and Suzi, and I was the one who accidently has gotten her, gosh what a klutz. Miley loves to play and follows me everywhere! She's as cute as a button, but so little and quiet, I have to be on guard, 24/7 watching for her.
Yes, I do believe she knows I do not mean it. She gets down and just plays like nothing ever had happened.