December 31 – “Question of the year”

So … Noa and Luke are our youngest.  Sweet little two year olds who capture your heart just by being in the same room.  And speaking of being in the same room, I have to share an end of the year “in-room” story that Christi told us yesterday. 

She was in the bathroom, apparently doing some last-minute preparation for whatever exciting family circus event we had planned (Hey, we slept a little last night.  You can’t expect me to remember everything).  Luke was with her.  Before long young Noa arrived, just to check on things, I’m sure.  Being the consummate super aunt, Christi dutifully asked Noa, “Do you have to go potty?”  Noa, being the incredibly vocal child that she is, replied, “No.”  A long, awkward silence followed, until finally Christi realized that her rapt attention was no longer required - or desired.  So she forced herself to look away, maintaining an ever-present listening ear.  Perhaps she should have exited the room instead.

Once it was established that the adult in the room was no longer paying attention, Noa turned her focus to her younger cousin.  Getting his attention she asked that question of the year that burns in the minds of two-year-old girls with three older brothers across the galaxy, “Do you have a penis?”  OK, now that you have all collectively gasped or guffawed or stifled a chuckle or felt some inward sense of “How could he possibly have written that down?” …

Luke took it all in the stride of a totally cool kid.  Without missing a beat, he responded, “Yeah.  I a boy.”  Perfect answer.  Grammar will come later (or not), but concise, to the point.  Answered the question.  Added the scientific rationale.  No frills.  Can’t get any better than that.

And Noa’s reply?  “I thought so.”  Well there you go.  See?  She was just verifying a scientific hypothesis of her own.  So far it had proven to be the case three times in a row in regard to brothers.  It was simply time to expand the parameters to include cousins. 

And finally, her Mom’s weary word of wondering upon hearing the tale … “I just hope she doesn’t still ask that when she’s like fourteen.”

1 Peter 3:13 says, “Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good?”

Father, thank you for those two two-year-olds we have the opportunity to learn from.  Amen.