A Very Merry Un-birthday

The other day someone asked Chris if all his children were named Benjy. Apparently, most of the stories that Chris shares at work involve cute things that Benjy does or says.  It's not that our other children aren't cute; it's just that most people start to zone out after the first story about your kids, so you've got to hit them with the best one right at the start.  And let's face it, four-year-olds are funny.

But so are seven-year-olds.  Jacob said to me the other day, "Mom, you know what quesadilla means in English?" He paused briefly, before blurting out with confidence.  "It means CHEESE DAY."  I laughed, but I'm happy that he's thinking about Spanish.

 

And 20-month-olds are cute too.  Have you ever seen one try to jump?  It's hilarious-- except when it's off the coffee table.  They're also usually too busy running around in cowboy boots to sit for a photo.

But whom am I kidding?  This story is about Benjy-- again.

Yesterday, Benjy's school celebrated all the birthdays for kids whose regular birthdays fall during summer vacation.  It had something to do with equal opportunity celebrating and no child left un-birthdayed.  That's all fine and good, I suppose, except that for Benjy, it was highly confusing.

Benjy:  Today's my birthday.

Me: No, Benjy today's your un-birthday, not your actual birthday.  Your birthday is in July, remember?

Benjy: I know. I know.

Five minutes later.

Benjy: When do I get my presents?

Me: You don't get presents on your un-birthday, Benjy.  Your birthday was in July.  Remember you got a basketball hoop for your birthday?

Benjy: Yeah.

Five minutes later.

Benjy: I'm five today.

Me: No, Benjy.  You're still four.  You don't turn five until next July, on your real birthday.

Benjy: I know.  I know.

Me: Can you go pick up the toys you left in the living room?

Benjy:  But, but... It's my birthday.

I give up.