I just thought it had a good beat

So we're sitting around playing Lego's and listening to music. Dancing in the Street by Martha and the Vandellas came on so I merrily sing along. Without even looking up from his Lego's, Eliot says, "Dancing in the street?? Well. That's just not safe."

by brain is mush

On the way to school we always pass a couple of small billboards. Eliot and I routinely discuss what's on them. This week, one of them had an advertisement for Geiko, along with a picture of it's representative gecko.
Eliot: Look! I see Kermit the Frog!
Me: That's not Kermit, it's a gecko.
Eliot: No, it's Kermit.
Me: No, it's a gecko.
Eliot: But it's supposed to be Kermit.
Me: No, it's the Geiko gecko, I'm sure of it.
Eliot: I said supposed to be!
Then it occurred to me that I was arguing with a four year old about Kermit vs the Geiko gecko, and taking it way too seriously! What has this child done to my brain!?

Parent teacher meeting

I had the most delightful meeting with Eliot’s teacher last week. I came in about naptime for our annual parent/teacher conference. Eliot was sound asleep on his cot. I wasn’t sure exactly what to expect from the conversation. Everyone thinks their own child is the picture of perfection, but we still worry that perhaps we just can’t see the true demon that everyone else can see. Sometimes our kids are like the Warner Brother’s talking frog. When we’re looking at them, they are sweet and calm. Then as soon as we turn our backs they ricochet through the living room, knocking over vases, kicking the cat and pulling every last DVD off the shelf. Although we’ve only been gone long enough to grab a drink from the fridge, we return to a sweet, calm little angel sitting amid an ocean of wreckage. Who could have wreaked such havoc on this room? Certainly not our sweet snookums**!

So, the meeting. Ms. Traci had filled out a form describing the different areas of development. She noted that he interacted well with his peers, and that he was conscious of their feelings. He can count to 29, knows all of his alphabet and not only recognizes, but writes his first name. We will start working on his last name, too. I was so surprised that all the things she said were positive. Even the things we needed to “work on” were things that went beyond his expected skill set for his age, like writing his last name.

** I must remember to quit using this word as well. I’m sure Four would not approve.

Dear Four, I LOVE you!

I thought I loved two and three, but four… it’s the real deal. Eliot is very brave and confident. When it was time for his four-year checkup, I probably could have just dropped him off by himself. He told his doctor all about his tooth-brushing habits and his superior potty abilities and how “Three’s don’t get to be in the Ladybug class. They have to be Butterflies. Only fours get to be in the Ladybug class.” Even though Dr Stansell didn’t really ask about that, I think he understood. He also had to get shots. I had told him about the shots, and we discussed how they would keep him from getting sick. He asked if it would hurt, and I didn’t lie to him. I said it probably would, but that it wouldn’t hurt for long. This is when his bravery really showed! He laid back on the table and told the nurse he was ready. He held my hand and closed his eyes. A couple of teardrops escaped his closed eyes, but there was no argument and no fit. When it was over he told the nurse it wasn’t so bad, and that he was happy that the shots would keep him well. She said he were the best patient she’d had all day.

He’s also so FUNNY now that he’s four. Particularly when he’s not trying to be. He’ll be quick to tell you that now that he’s four….? He can hop on one foot three times. And also? Now that he’s four….? He can wash himself when he’s in the bathtub. And he can also get dressed all by himself. You know, now that he’s four. Apparently, he can get undressed all by himself, too. Because the other night when I came in and said (in my very best sing-song voice), “ok, Eliot, time to get nakey-noo! Do you need some help getting nakey, nakey, nakey???” Eliot deadpanned in my direction and stated, in no uncertain terms, “I’m FOUR now, Mommy. You can call it ‘undressed’.” Point taken, Good Sir. I guess I’ll also have to quit calling snacks “nummey-nums” and quit calling him “Mr. Tookey Pants” when he’s giving me an attitude.

Last night he told me, “now that I’m four I’m trying new things.” He’s tried macaroni and cheese, ranch dressing, grapefruit and pizza. So far he’s only liked the pizza, but at least he’s trying. The verdict is still out on most meat items, though.

Yep, Four entertains itself and asks for things instead of screaming. Four can be reasoned with (every now and then). Four is fearless and smart and independent. Four is definitely where it’s at!