what's in your nose?

perfect picture to go with this memory

Caden seems to create a lot of valuable memories recently,  good, bad and hilarious.  Tonight's could have been a lot funnier than it was....if he hadn't thrown a fit in the beginning, middle and end.

Sitting at dinner, I happen to notice him shove a green bean in his nose.  It was out of genuine curiosity from what I could tell. The look on his face was priceless. Then he caught my eye, and tried to pick it out....which of course shoved it further up his nose.  I think I probably would have been laughing had he not just caused a scene about....carrying his plate, which utensil to use, what color his cup was, what vegetable HE got to choose (it was 'one of those days' today).

I promptly told him he should never put anything up his nose unless its saline spray for his nose (fast forward many years and that rule should be helpful in deciding whether or not to put anything in his nose, right?).
He immediately responded with "That's not fair."

Huh? What isn't fair? That I don't want you to put food/anything up your nose? It was a trap and I wasn't going to go down that road with him

He finally got out the bits of green bean after blowing his nose. (which due to the kind of mood he was in, of course, was not a simple task)

I said, "Sorry, I'm not being mean, I'm trying to keep you healthy."

and he responded with "yes, you are being mean!"

and like any other good parent (which I'm finding out lately, seem to be in short supply) I told him....
"Okay, you are right. I am being mean, but sometimes I am going to do things or say things that seem mean to you....but its because I am taking care of you."

Granted he is four and that lesson is a hard one learned. It took me til I was grown and teaching to realize what a great job my mom did in not giving me everything I wanted, and learning lessons that hard way...or apparently, the mean way.

I love you my sweet, sweet boy. you challenge me in ways I am not prepared for, but I love you just the same.