Monk’s Big Boy
“I a Big Boy!”
TheMonk has a burning desire to be a “big boy.” It was probably the single most effective method in getting him potty trained. All we had to do is remind him that “big boys go pee pee in the potty.” Really? Done.
But now this “Big Boy” stuff is starting to get a little old. The main problem is that while, yes, he has made great strides in becoming a “Big Boy,” he’s still more “Little Boy” than “Big Boy.” But that doesn’t stop him from wanting to do everything all by himself. He wants to climb into his car seat, put on his shoes, run the water in the bath, open his own beer bottle… You get the idea. While he may be on the verge of doing many of these things, it takes him a LOT longer than it would take me. I mean, geez, do you have any idea how long it takes a 3-year-old to open a bottle of beer?
But all of that is minor compared to what transpired today.
As TheMonk and I cuddled on the couch this morning watching Curious George, I reached over and tried to kiss his chubby little cheek. He turned away from me and said, “No Daddy! No kissing me! I a big boy. Kiss me like this [he kissed the palm of his hand and blew me a kiss].” Thinking he had made his point, he went back to watching Curious George.
I stared at him, contemplating how to respond to this directive that we would only blow kisses to each other from now on. I could only think of one way to respond…
I grabbed him, wrapped my arms around him and smothered him with tons of kisses while he squirmed and squealed in my arms.
“You may be a Big Boy, Monk.” I said, “But you aren’t too big for kisses from Daddy.”
As I finally let him go, he sat on the couch, breathing heavily from the squealing and glanced at me out of the corner of his eyes. His smile told me that perhaps he really didn’t want to be that big of a boy just yet either.
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Once again, you bring tears to my eyes. Forest has already started wanting to do everything on his own. I didn’t expect it at 18 months! I’m with you, they will never be too big for kisses.
Comment by Dawn Johnson — July 18, 2008 @ 3:49 pm
Very cute story. They decide to grow up before they’re actually grown up. (Why do I see myself saying this when my daughter is 15?)
Great post.
Comment by SciFi Dad — July 18, 2008 @ 4:18 pm
Oh God, that’s too cute!
You know what really cracks me up? When you do something for them, then they freak out, and then they go back to the VERY beginning and do it all over themselves. Like if I get my daughter a spoon instead of letting her do it herself, she’ll take it, put it back in the drawer, slam it shut in irritation, open it again, and take the same dang spoon right back out. Hilarious. The first couple times a day anyway.
Comment by Lynnie — July 18, 2008 @ 5:13 pm
Aw YEAH!! Way to go Big Daddy!
Comment by MamáChanga — July 18, 2008 @ 10:20 pm
Great response! Can’t be too big yet- not just yet little mister!
Comment by K and J's mom — July 19, 2008 @ 4:20 am
Nicely handled.
Comment by Dan — July 19, 2008 @ 11:08 am
Enough with this ‘Big Boy’ business, they’ll stay babies and like it!
Comment by Whit — July 19, 2008 @ 11:21 am
“Big Boy”??? NOOOO!! Because if TheMonk’s a big boy, then Tad… my brain is shutting down now.
Comment by Deanna — July 20, 2008 @ 9:06 am
I love this! I can just see his little grin.
Thanks for the smile!
Comment by Equipoise — July 20, 2008 @ 3:40 pm
I LOVE a kiss attack!!! Lucia squeals so much, she really enjoys it. And now she’s learned to kiss us too. I just melts our hearts… I’m so glad you are not one of those macho men who thinks you shouldn’t kiss their sons.
Good for you!
Comment by Florencia — July 21, 2008 @ 3:29 pm