5 going on 18
Earlier this week Chickpea and I had this conversation…
- CHICK: What is it that Garbanzo’s called? He’s not quite a baby but he’s not quite a kid either.
- ME: You mean a toddler?
- CHICK: Yes, a toddler. Okay, so what is it that I’m called? Where I’m not quite a kid but I’m not quite a grown-up either.
- ME: Um… (thinking) Well, Chick, I’d say you’re still a kid.
- CHICK: No no, I’m past that. I mean when I’m older than a kid but not a grown-up.
- ME: Lots of people would say that being a five-year-old means still being a kid.
- CHICK: Well, don’t I look all grown-upish to you? I really am growing up a lot.
- ME: (hesitating, not sure how to answer without being offensive) … Yes, you do.
- CHICK: (silence, obviously thinking)
- ME: Chick, enjoy being a kid while you’re still a kid. It goes by really quickly.
- CHICK: Mom, how old will I be when I’m allowed to go to a store by myself? Seven?
Lord, save me now from the pre-teen years.
