What having a 3-year-old is like.

After asking for something tonight, I requested that Camden use his manners and say "please" (like I do multiple times a day, and he's getting much better at remembering...most of the time). Tonight, though, he decided that the word 'please' wasn't going to come out of his mouth. Because, you know, 3-year-olds have to exert their power from time to time:

Me: Camden, use your manners and say 'please'.
Camden: But...but...
Me: No buts. Use your manners.
Camden: BUT I DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU'RE SAYING! I DON'T KNOW WHAT 'PLEASE' IS!

I guess I should give him points for creativity?

**

A few minutes later, this conversation took place:

Me: Camden, eat your banana, please.

Camden: But...but...I don't want to eat it. It's yucky!
Me: Camden, you love bananas. They're not yucky.
Camden: But...but...do you want me to be a monkey? Bananas are for monkeys!

Again, with the creativity...

**

Another few minutes pass:

Me (speaking quietly, not directly to Camden): You're really pushing my buttons tonight.
Camden (looks me up and down): What?! I don't see your buttons! Where are your buttons, Mommy?

Yep. That pretty much sums up life with a 3-year-old.

But man- I love this kid.