In a couple of days, my little guy will turn four years old. It seems like ony yesterday I was rushing my wife to the hospital to give birth to him and here he is turning four. He seems to understand that his birthday is coming up and he is getting very excited about it. Well, he is getting excited about parts of his birthday. Mostly the wrapped kind.
It started when we took him shopping and told him to show us what he would like for his birthday presents. He thoughtfully examined every toy in the toy department at Walmart, much to the shagrin of his parents.
“Let’s get this,” He said as he put the toy in the cart.
“Now, we’re not buying anything today. Just show us so we can get ideas.”
“But it’s my birthday.”
“It’s not your birthday yet.”
“Oh… But I’m a good boy.”
“I know you’re a good boy, but we’re not going to buy it today.”
“Okay.”
And with that, the discussion was over. I know, it shocked me too. This past weekend, we were planning on getting his present, but for some reason, we got it when he was with us. My wife thought we could sneak it in the cart.
“Hey, what’s that?”
“What is what?”
“That tractor… in our cart.”
“There’s a tractor in our cart?”
“Yeeeaaahh.”
“Must have fallen in by accident. I should put it back.”
“No, I want it.”
“But it isn’t your birthday yet.”
“But it is almost my birthday.”
Trying to hide it did no good. Burying it under other stuff did no good. He knew it was there and that it was a birthday present. He circled it like a hungry wolf looking at a sheep.
Wrapping it when we got home had little effect either.
“Is that my birthday present?”
“Yes, but you can’t have it until your birthday.”
“It’s a tractor.”
“I don’t know what it is. It is all wrapped up.”
“It’s a tractor and I get to have it on my birthday.”
“Okay, if you say so.”
“Daddy, is it my birthday yet?”
“Buddy, I’m not ready for it to be your birthday yet.”
