L. (3) is often concerned with how I am feeling.
For example, though he seems to have no problem whatsoever with disobeying and defying me multiple times per hour, he would prefer for me to remain perpetually “Happy.” (And, when I appear to be not-so-happy — such as when I discipline him for the aforementioned disobedience and defiance — he’s been know to scream at the top of his lungs, “Happy Mommy! Happy Mommy! I need Happy Mommy!” Charming.)
I guess he’s figured out that the old adage is true: If Mama ain’t happy, ain’t nobody happy. And he prefers the happy.
Sometimes, however, my facial expression does not conclusively reveal my inner emotions, and L. is forced to ask me exactly what it is that I’m feeling. About six months ago, he started asking me, “Mommy, what does your face say?” which was his way of asking what feelings he should associate with my current expression.
Cute, yes. And hey — a boy who knows how to ask someone what they’re feeling — that’s a skill that could come in handy when he’s married, if he can hold on to it. So I’ve encouraged him by always answering this question.
Over the months, he’s changed his question, and now he often looks at me searchingly and says, “What’s that face?” To which I reply, “It’s my ‘I’m happy’ face” or “It’s my ‘I’m hungry’ face” or any other of a number of responses.
The other day, L. called me from his room during his “quiet” play time because he had to use the bathroom. I’ve been sick for over a week and so I half-stumbled to his bedroom to escort him.
He took one look at me and said, “What’s that face, Mommy?”
“Oh, it’s just my ‘I’m very tired’ face, buddy.”
Then I turned it around on him. “How about you, L.? What face do you have?”
To which he answered: “Oh, it’s just my ‘I have to poop’ face.”
Needless to say, I got him to the bathroom immediately.
And I’m not sure if I’ll be asking that question again.
Katrina, I think you have the makings of a very comical sit-com with little “L!” He is so original! And smart and cute!
Super! I think I know that face as well, however, when I last visited the potty training subject, I got a crazy response. Quin’s replied, “No, I don’t want to go on the potty because I am playing with my mail now.” Go figure. Quin has asked me for smiles before. That’s my clue to lighten up a little. It’s tough to remain pleasant amidst discipline, isn’t it?
This is hilarious! Kids make great fodder for blogs don’t they?
this one gave me a really good chuckle…..
LOL! It must be the age. I get “Are you happy, Mommy?” about 20 times a day. Has never once asked if Daddy is happy! He has also started pointedly asking that question after he does something that usually does make me happy, just to make sure that I acknowledge that he, in fact, is the single reason for my happiness. Oh the power of the three year old. The poop face has me in hysterics!!!
Thanks for the chuckle this morning! I really needed it.
LOL oh my that is hilarious!!
I must say this post gave me my much needed daily dash of laughter. LOL
Thanks for posting. I just love following your blog.
Joyful´s last post ..
LOL Gotta love the honesty from kids!
Know that face very well. Just didn’t have a name for it
Love, Mom
Very funny!
From your sidebar, looks like you are reading some interesting books.
Jennifer, Snapshot´s last post ..America, America
Katrina, It’s been a long time since I have read your blog, but after reading this gem regarding L….I will be back quite often. It gave me a hearty laugh!!!
Oh, that’s a boy for you. Thanks for the chuckle!
LOL. Oh that is priceless.
Meghan, also 3, will ask, “What’s wrong?” or “Happy?” (SHe has a speech disorder, so we are thrilled that she is able to communicate like this.)
It’s funny how they want us to be happy…Meghan will often ask what’s wrong when everything is fine…I’m just not smiling!