Moments

"Mom, I sink you din'ent notice you got Effan colored-food ceweal. Did you not look and buyed it cuz you fohgot to look?"

I guess that day I became a hypocrite. I almost always refuse to buy anything with food coloring in it. But I break my rule for the kid's birthdays with sugary, colorful cereal, M&M's and neon cake frosting.

Apparently, to Tessa, I broke more than just my rule.

*****

Adam called from camp at 8:30 the other night to wish Ethan a happy birthday. He had borrowed two quarters so that he could make the call. Ethan's eyes welled up with tears.

*****

Ethan: "Dad, can you help me with this problem?"

.

Me: "Do you want me to help you, Ethan?"

Ethan: "No offense mom, but I think dad would be able to help me better with this one."

"Your mom can do decimals and fractions." His father called out in my defense.

.

I am glad he couldn't see the freaked out look on my face.

This time, I think Ethan was right.

*****

Ellie sat and watched me dress today. She stared at my belly-dome.

"Are you going to have babies when you grow up?" I asked.

.

"No."

She replied abruptly.

.

Surprised, I smiled back, "Oh, once this baby is born you will change your mind and want twenty."

.

"How do you know?" she said intensely. "Mine might turn out ugly."

I tried not to laugh.

.

"What do you do if they're ugly?" I asked.

"Sell them." she said bluntly.

*****

Tessa tripped and skinned her toe. She was sure she was dying. As the drama escalated, she was certain that a mere bandaid would not be enough.

.

"Maybe we should go to the hospital." I suggested.

.

"No!!!" she bellowed. "Dey will cut me in ha-a-aaaaaaffffff!!!"