The Wonderfully Wacky World of Why

The Little One turned three a few months ago, and our lives have turned into a live version of Toy Story. While taking the dog for a walk, he spends enormous amounts of time switching his “laser” from “stun” to “kill” (while perfecting his Buzz Lightyear stare – see the picture below – and yes, he really does try to make that face!), and he can often be found running around, pushing the “button” on his chest (while doing his own interpretation of what a button sounds like) in order to “expand his wings”, and then calling out “To infinity and beyond!” before leaping at a surprised adult who, fortunately, has lightning quick reflexes (we haven’t dropped him yet – does that make us good parents?).

Of course, it’s not ALL about Toy Story. Have you ever heard the “Bob the Builder” theme song sung at the top of a three year-old’s lungs – as he switches back and forth between English and Hebrew? How about when your only party trick is having your son show people how he says “Dora” or “Dohhra”, depending on which language you ask him to say the name in? And speaking of Dora, I’m in the process of trying to coordinate with Allison for us to take the kids to go see the hottest show of the summer among the under-five set – “Dora and the Pirate Adventure” (or something like that…). In Hebrew. Because apparently, we really love our kids, and we just can’t seem to get enough of that charming monkey sidekick of hers.

But, tot pop culture aside, one of the more fascinating things to happen lately is that he’s recently entered a new phase, one that I like to refer to as “the wonderfully wacky world of why”. Why? Yes. Precisely. Why. The Little One has suddenly become very curious about everything, and always wants to know why. “Why did he do that, Mommy?” “Because he was upset, sweetie.” “Why was he upset, Mommy?” “Because of what his friend said.” “But why, Mommy?” And on and on it goes. It can happen anytime, anywhere. It frequently happens while watching television, though it’s also been known to happen when we’re out and about, shopping, eating out, or hiking. Sometimes, for a bit of variety, the “whys” are interspersed with “whats” or “hows”, but essentially, it all comes down to the same thing – “how can I wear Mommy and Aba down,” or “how long can I get them to answer these totally inane questions,” and no, it absolutely wouldn’t surprise me if he secretly knew the word “inane”, but was keeping it to spring on us when we least expected it. He’s special that way…

Things I’ve learned from the Little One…

• Band-Aids (preferably if they have pictures of the Backyardigans on them) can cure any boo-boo, even if there’s only been a small bump on the head, and even when there’s already a scab and the bleeding has long stopped.
• Dresses, apparently, are only to be worn on Shabbat. To put one on at any other time is a sign of confusion.
• If you’re cute, compliments will get you everywhere (“Little One, why did you break that? Now, I’m angry.” “Mommy, you’re soooo pretty! You’re beautiful! I love you!” Sigh…
• My reflexes are quicker than I’d ever imagined possible.
• It’s already quite light outside by 5:30 in the morning.
• Construction vehicles that communicate with one another and do jobs with no assistance from humans are normal.
• Ditto the builder who consults with said construction vehicles in order to decide how jobs will get done.
• Crayons work much better once they’ve been broken in two and their pointy ends have been mashed into oblivion.
• It’s okay to cry when your best friend goes home – even if he lives right downstairs.
• Running around the house without any clothes on is fun. If you come to my house, don’t forget to knock first…