Life with a "Dadgum" 4 Year Old

Z told me today that he loves going to Super One (grocery store) because it is "just right down the lane."

We were out chasing Emma's dog who had gotten loose when Z asked, "Where IS that dadgum dog?"

While I am typing this, T is climbing ALL over Z. (Anyone sitting on the floor is fair game for T to attack.) I just overheard Z say, "Mom, someone is really bugging me!"

We had one of our first truly traumatic disciplinary "situations" this past weekend. There was lying AND biting involved. The wooden spoon was used and what was Z's comment after the fact? "Mommy, next time I lie and bite, you shouldn't spank me so hard!"

Our entire family had to be on Tamaflu last week because Brandon was diagnosed with the flu. The liquid that Z had to take was apparently not very tasty. You cannot even imagine the fit and carrying-on that took place when I attempted to give Z the medicine the first time...all in the presence of my mother-in-law, thank you very much. A few days later, out of the blue, Z asked, "Mama, do you know why I was running from you when you tried to give me that medicine? I was just trying to get my exercise."

I don't mean to sound like a psychotic child abuser, but these past few days have seemed like one "teaching moment" after another. Others are noticing my struggle. The other night in bible study, we were all asked to say if we were in a movie, what movie and why. I was not there so Karen answered for me. She told the group that I would be starring in Mommy Dearest.

She knows me well.

Should I have been offended, because, honestly, I wasn't at all.