We are having a typical, face-to-face potty conversation, when Emma stops and points to my mouth.

E: Mommy, your tooth.

M: Yes, those are my teeth.

E: But your tooth, Mommy.

M: Yes, honey that is my tooth. What about it?

E: It’s, it’s tipping over.

[long pause]

M: No, honey. It’s just crooked. Thanks for noticing.

E: Your welcome, Mommy.

Emma and I are paging through the new Little Einsteins coloring book Grandma & Grandpa gave her for Easter, and we come to a page that asks you to draw in creatures of the sea. Emma suggests I draw some fish and starfish. Of course, I draw away.

Then she says: “Mommy, draw Ariel.”

I respond: “A mermaid? Oh no, Emma. I don’t think Mommy can draw a mermaid.”

E: “Yes, you can, Mommy. You can do it. You’re a great Mommy!”

How could I say no to that?

We are at lunch, and Emma has just finished her “dessert,” which is a cup of peaches.

Emma: (Stomach growls.) Mommy, did you hear my tummy?

Mommy: No. Did it make a noise?

E: Yes, it did. It said it needs some pears.

M: Oh, really. But you just had some peaches.

E: Yes, Mommy. My tummy needs some pears. And then it will feel better.

M: Oh, well, I better get you some pears then.

E: Oh ‘shank you, Mommy!