My boy is getting smarter.
I often cuddle up in a blanket when Dekker and I go downstairs to play. Now that its getting a bit warmer outside, our house is doing that thing where its temperature confused. You know, where the house is way colder than usual because its confused? Well, I don’t know how to better explain it but its happening, and my basement that is warm all winter is now colder than upstairs. So I cuddle up.
Often, I bring a snack. Crackers, popcorn, something like that. I don’t claim to be a healthy eater, I’m being honest. I had Doritos for breakfast this morning. I brought them downstairs and Dekker just eyed them up. I hid them under the blanket and pretended they weren’t there. I have always been one who believe that kids know a lot more than we give them credit for, but seriously, now long can Dekker really remember such a small detail? Apparently a while. And the worst part about it is that he’s sooo cute!
So picture it. I have a bag of chips tucked under a blanket to my left. I don’t even eat when he’s looking, but he knows. Every once in a while, he comes up to me, puts a hand on my leg, and waits. Kind of like a puppy begging. I smile at him and tell him how sweet he is, and don’t let on to anything for fear that I’ll give away my secret and have to share. He wears this little half-grin, and he kind of leans forward just a little, and looks towards where I’ve hidden the chips. I try and make it into a form of peek a boo around my knees, but he just smiles knowingly and stands still, eyeballs darting to my left. Finally he gives the blanket a little tug in his final effort to uncover the snack he KNOWS I’m hiding from him. He glances from me to the hidden chips to me to the hidden chips. He is not buying my evasive game.
But then who he is really comes through. He kind of gives me an “ok mom” smile and heads back to his toys. No fuss, no complaining, no tantrum. He just goes with it because mommy says. I love his character.
I should add here, if I’m having crackers or cereal or fruit or a sandwich or really almost anything, of course I share with him! But not chips, and not popcorn yet either. If he’s not going to need it yet, or even be super interested in it, I’m not going to specifically encourage it. I think we are pretty relaxed in the way of his eating. We’re not afraid of a little sugar or trying new things. But I’m sure not going to introduce him if he would be just as happy playing toys. Just a disclaimer I guess.
Moral of the story: I love my obedient son. He is the cutest, and sooo well mannered! What we did to deserve such a boy I’ll never know, but I am forever grateful.