A Tale of 3 Children

Chapter 1: Madeline
Madeline (in her announcement voice): I have some boy news.

Me (trying to be serious): Um, do you have a boyfriend?

Madeline: NO! (Rolls eyes again.)

Garrett: A boyfriend! Who is it, ME?

Madeline (rolls eyes): NO, GarrETT. Well, I was walking past Andres today and he said, 'Hi, Pretty Eyes.' Josh says that Andres loves me.

Me: Does he?

Madeline: YES!

Note to Madeline: 1)You are too young, 2)Please don't be boy crazy, 3)I am NOT ready for this!!

Chapter 2: Carter
6 AM. I am laying in our not-nearly-big-enough-bed between Joel and Carter. (Carter had joined us somewhere around the 2am hour- like always). Carter's big blue eyes pop open. He rolls over, crawls up and leans on me, stares at Joel and says, "BOO!" Total deadpan. Joel and I burst into laughter, despite the early hour.

Chapter 3: Garrett
Setting: In shoe store while purchasing new ballet and tap shoes for Madeline.

Garrett (eyeing sparkley purses haning nearby): I want a purse.

Me: A purse, huh?

Madeline: GarrETT! Purses are for GIRLS.

Me: Well, men carry Man Bags, I guess.

Garrett: Well I want one. I want a boy one. With a purple star with sparkles.

Me: Hmmm....we'll see!

Good luck with that, sweet boy.