Why, I Oughtta...

I don't always make the best parenting choices. Sometimes we skip Sam's bath. Sometimes we watch TV when we should be reading. And more often than not, I forget I'm talking to the equivalent of a tape recorder with a playback button.

When Sam and I are being silly there is a fair amount of threat done on my part. As my voice gets more menacing, I repeat, "Sam, play with the horse! YOU PLAY WITH THAT HORSE!" Sam thinks it's hilarious (because it is) and always ends up with hiccups from laughing too hard.

Yesterday I was sitting on the couch reading and Sam asked me to go play cars with him. I told him I would in just a few minutes. He asked again, and I again I said I'd be there in a few minutes. Clenching his teeth and shaking his fist, he said, "MaMA! You play cars!"

I was so shocked I burst out laughing. He wasn't being mean or naughty at all. He meant it to be silly and was doing a dead-on impression of me (and Jackie Gleason).

One of these days, Sam...one of these days!