Count Eight
Kids are a laugh and my son is no exception! Yesterday, the 15th, he broke his routine which provided me with both a bit of a shock and a chuckle.
For many months now, when I’ve been carrying him long enough that he wants to get down, The following conversation takes place:
Son: ”Daddy, can I get down?”
Daddy: ”Son, please ask properly.”
Son: ”Daddy, may I please get down?”
Daddy: ”Yes you may. Would you like to get down on the count of seven?” (I usually insert some random number between 1 and 10 here).
Son: ”Count eight!” (This has always been eight since we started this little ritual many months ago).
Then I gently raise him up and lower him as we count using increasingly larger movements until that final number (eight) finds him held way above my head often with his back touching the ceiling. Then I lower him to the floor while saying “Whee” until he is again supported by his own two feet.
Now, apparently, my son is a creature of habit. As I mentioned, the number he choses is always eight. However, yesterday, he actually said “Count three”. But, then as if engaged in some tremendous internal conflict, he immediately changed his mind and said “Count four” which he said twice.
I paused for a moment, flabbergasted. We go through this little routine several times a day and he has never chosen anything but eight. And when he makes the selection, he only says it once. Was he feeling okay?
My concerns were put to rest and we were able to cancel the appointment with the pediatrician when, later in the day, it was again time for our little ritual. This time, his reply, “Count eight”. Again, all was right in the world. A major catastrophe was averted. There was no deviation from the rut so great that we could not, once again, fall into it.
The real question is — who’s the creature of habit? Him or me?
I love that child! He is my absolute favorite firstborn son!
And don’t you just love the word “flabbergasted”? I don’t think it gets nearly enough airplay. I’m doing my part to remedy that. Will you help?