The Knack

Braden discovered Tom's old Legos at his cousin's house over spring break.

Since that time, he has thought of little else.

Things that used to interest him, like Max & Ruby, school, BSF, and food have all fallen by the wayside. He only cares about when he will get his next Lego fix.

Sometimes he works on Legos all day long. In his pajamas. Personal hygiene has gone to pot. He even rejected an opportunity to eat ice cream with his grandpa yesterday. Suddenly it dawned on me. I've seen this behavior before. In myself. I'm afraid my son has The Knack.

Doomed to being unable to completely relax until he understands exactly how everything works. Doomed to having neighbors call him to fix their small appliances and phone jacks. Doomed to having one's children winning Pinewood Derby races, even though you are the only mom helper among many dads. But that's another story.

Can he lead a normal life?

Preschool

Today was Braden's first day of preschool. Since it's practically the first time in 9 1/2 years that I've been alone, you may have seen me in the store carrying on an instructive conversation with my grocery cart. I belive it's called "Phantom Toddler Syndrome".

We started Braden at the midpoint of the school year because we are certain he is destined for great things and that an extra semester of preschool will make all the difference.

I'm kidding. But we are pretty sure that one day he will make lots of money selling used cars. Here's why.

Braden: "What do you want to play with me today?"

Me: "I'm sorry, but I'm [insert stimulating and productive domestic activity here], you need to play by yourself for awhile."

Braden: "Let's play Candyland!"

Me: "Sorry, not right now."

Braden: "Well, do you want to be the red guy or the blue guy?"

Me: "I can't play right now."

Braden: "So you can be the red guy."

Me: "I really can't..."

Braden: "All you have to do is draw one card. I'll move your guy."

Me: "Okay, just one card."

Braden (1/2 hour later): "I won again! Now let's play The Ladybug Game!"

Me: "I'm sorry, I really have to get back to [aforementioned activity]."

Braden: "Do you want to be Ella Yellow or Tommy Teal?"

...

The bottom line is that when faced with his powers of persuation, I am rendered helpless. This is why he needs to go to school. Let someone else be subjected to his charms for a few hours each week! I really need to finish [that activity]!