Butt, Mommy

Jeffrey is three. Really that should say it all. He has the cutest dimples and contagious smile. He loves books - even sleeps with them. He is full of energy.

He is full of energy. That just really needed to be said twice.

I love him dearly. There are days, however, when his sweet, kind of loud, voice sound like nails on a chalkboard to me.

Lately, when I ask him to do something - like finish his food, pick up his toys, get dressed - he has something more important to say. A typical conversation goes like this:

Me: Jeffrey, sweet boy, I would like you to please take your garbage to the garbage can so we can keep our house sparkling clean.

Okay, that's what I say when there are people around. The real conversation goes like this:

Me: JEFFREY! I TOLD YOU THREE TIMES TO PICK UP YOUR GARBAGE. DO IT NOW!

Jeffrey: Okay, but, Mommy...

And his voice goes up to a higher pitch at the end. Really the "mommy" sounds more like "mommeeeeeeeee"

We are working on a new pronunciation of my name!

So I don't let the "but, Mommy" go - that's back-talking in my books.

My response: No buts - go do it.

Often I get another "but, Mommy" and we have to stop and talk about how he can tell me what it is that he wants to say after he has been obedient and finished what mommy asked him to do.

That goes over really well and we usually end up with a three year old in a puddle of tears, flopped on the floor and the mommy threatening punishment if he isn't obedient right away.

It is exhausting. I think I need a nap after just telling that scenario to you.

Now, the real fun part is that Morgan has started copying Jeffrey.

So last night when I was trying to get her ready for bed and wanted her to get up on her bed this is what the conversation went like:

Me: Morgan, up on your bed so mommy can change your diaper. You are a stinky girl!

Morgan: I not a stinky girl! (for the record - she wasn't - so frustrating when they are right!)

Me: I still need to change your diaper, so get up on your bed.

Morgan: but, mommy

AAAAAHHHHHHHHHH!

Me: Morgan, GET UP ON YOUR BED - NO BUTS!

Morgan: no buts, no buts, no buts (in a sing-songy voice as she dances around the room)

Tired, I just pick her up and put her on the bed. As I begin to change her diaper...

Morgan: Mommy, I'mmmmmm naked! (naked is said very quickly - very cute)

Me: yes, sweetheart, mommy needs to change your diaper its almost bedtime.

Morgan: (in the same sing-songy voice) yes butts, yes butts, yes butts