The other day I was driving around while the girls were listening to a CD we have in the car with kids’ camp songs. I’ve noticed lately that they are both intently soaking up the lyrics, trying to understand and relate to each song as they hear it. Right now, they especially like the catchy tune, “A Boy and a Girl in a Little Canoe.” And, I think that song must have been the catalyst for this conversation…
The Preschooler: How old do you have to be to be girlfriend and boyfriend?
Me: Umm, I think your Daddy would say you need to be at least 25.
The Preschooler: Well, I already have a boyfriend.
Me: Oh, really?
The Preschooler: Yes. But, I’m not in love with him and he’s not in love with me.
Well, that’s a relief. At least they’re taking things slowly.
Due to the fact that a few young members of our household have sleeping issues, the Spouse and I decided to set up an extra bed in the guest room for those occasions when one of us needs to escape and/or help someone get back to sleep in the middle of the night. For some reason, the Preschooler had to use the “emergency bed” {as I like to refer to it} not too long ago, and it seems the experience made quite an impression on her…
The Preschooler: Momma, you know that bed we have for emergencies?
Me: Yes, I know the one.
The Preschooler: That’s the most comfortable-est bed I’ve ever slept on!
Me: Oh, yeah?
The Preschooler: Yeah. Do you know how fast I went to sleep in it?
Me: How fast?
The Preschooler: So fast I didn’t even have to think about it!! … {pause, followed by a big sigh} … I’m getting pretty tired of my bed.
Well, of course she is. Five year olds may be young and small, but they’re smart, I tell you. Very smart.
And, on another random note, the Toddler is currently obsessed with two things: jeeps and campers. Ironically, we own neither. We don’t go off-roading {at least not intentionally}, and we don’t camp. I’m not sure what has piqued her interest in the great outdoors lately, but the Toddler repeatedly asks me when we can go camping. Sadly for her, I have no plans to make this happen in the foreseeable future. But, if you’re a camper and are looking for an inquisitive 3-year old to take along on your next outdoor adventure, I know one who would gladly go. The only things you would need to know in advance are: 1) She’s terrified of bugs, including those of the housefly variety, 2) She doesn’t often sleep through the night in her own bed, 3) She doesn’t like her hands or feet to be sticky and/or dirty, and 4) She’s afraid of the dark. Oh, and there’s one more thing… 5) If you go near water, she’ll need to have her right arm wrapped up in a bag and elevated above her head at all times because she can’t get that pink cast wet. Now, other than that, she’s fairly low maintenance.
All in all, I think she’s bound to be an excellent camper… just like her momma.
Leave a Reply