Better Safe Than Sorry

I was doing some weeding while Ingrid napped yesterday, and Henry and Elena were playing very nicely in the yard. Eventually, Henry decided to try out some tricks on his skateboard, but he did it in true "Henry" fashion, which I would characterize as "cautious recklessness." First, he would make "notes" on his clipboard about what he was going to do before attempting to execute a move. Then, after performing the trick, he would make some more notes about the success - or failure (by what criteria I don't know) - of the maneuver. After one trick, I overheard him muttering as he made notes that it was "deadly" to young kids; apparently this was a successful trick, but I'm pretty sure he doesn't know what "deadly" means. (The tricks consisted of a variation on having the skateboard come out from underneath him as he landed safely on his feet to the side or rear of the skateboard.)

Henry joined me by the flower beds I was weeding and showed me a picture of his next trick, which consisted of a very wavy line with a skateboard at the end. I told him it looked really, really dangerous. That was obviously the right answer because he grinned like the Cheshire cat. Then he told me that I was "needed on the track" to assist with the next trick. Trying to weasel out of it, I told him that the trick was entirely to dangerous for me and I didn't want any part of it. Without missing a beat, he informed me that I would have to help, but that he needed to get me some insurance first!

A Little "Mommy Time"

Aunt Maggie and Uncle Aaron are in the process of finishing their attic in advance of little Charlie's arrival in late September. In usual Schuering-family style, everyone was on hand this weekend to hang drywall. Actually, the boys did the drywalling, while us womenfolk took care of kids and meals. (That sounds terribly old fashioned, doesn't it?)

Well, Aunt Julie took Henry, Elena, and Evie to the park over the weekend while I stayed behind with Ike and Ingrid, who were napping, so I could get a jump on preparing dinner for everyone. As they were driving to the park, Henry mentioned to Julie that he thought I was really enjoying having all the kids out of the house, since I like to be by myself. Julie responded that sometimes mommies just like to have some time alone to get things done. Henry said, "I know Mom likes it when I'm gone." Julie asked why he would say that, to which he replied, "Because one time, when I told her I had to go to the bathroom, she said, 'Great!!!'"

I'm not sure which is worse - the fact that I was obviously being a little too sarcastic with my child (probably in response to the 12th potty break of the day) or the fact that Henry interpreted by false enthusiasm as happiness that I wouldn't be with him for the 2 minutes it takes him to use the bathroom. Either way, I'm sure he can work it out with his therapist when he reaches adulthood!