Monday, July 10, 2006
Let's Make a Deal
Max has been agitating for a pet for the last couple of weeks. He brings up the issue about every 6 minutes--over breakfast, in the car, during his bath, and even, this evening, while sitting on the potty. Some people might think that two dogs and eleven horses qualify as pets out the wazoo, as certainly I do, but Max is dissatisfied. He wants a real pet--a hamster or a turtle or a guinea pig--that he can call his own. Here's a transcript of our latest negotiations on the way to the ranch:
Max: Mommy, I want a pet.
Me: Max, we've had this conversation before.
Max: But I still want a pet. I just saw a pet store, and I bet they have good pets.
Me: Here's the problem, Max. I've only got so much time in the day, and frankly, I'm pretty busy taking care of you and Boo and our house and the thirteen animals that we already have. So here's the deal. I can either take care of you and Boo, or I can take care of your pet. Which do you choose?
Max: I choose a pet.
Me: Okay, Max, so who's going to make your meals and wash your clothes and drive you to school and play with you?
Max pondered some of the larger implications of his decision. Then his face brightened.
Max: Hey! I've got a plan! You can take care of my pet, and daddy can take care of me, and I'll take care of Boo!
Lee, from the driver's seat: Can I make a trade? I'd like to volunteer for the hamster.
Max: Mommy, I want a pet.
Me: Max, we've had this conversation before.
Max: But I still want a pet. I just saw a pet store, and I bet they have good pets.
Me: Here's the problem, Max. I've only got so much time in the day, and frankly, I'm pretty busy taking care of you and Boo and our house and the thirteen animals that we already have. So here's the deal. I can either take care of you and Boo, or I can take care of your pet. Which do you choose?
Max: I choose a pet.
Me: Okay, Max, so who's going to make your meals and wash your clothes and drive you to school and play with you?
Max pondered some of the larger implications of his decision. Then his face brightened.
Max: Hey! I've got a plan! You can take care of my pet, and daddy can take care of me, and I'll take care of Boo!
Lee, from the driver's seat: Can I make a trade? I'd like to volunteer for the hamster.
