By TODAY show editor Sara Pines, a.k.a. Sandwich Mom
Walking in our neighborhood this morning, my daughter got excited when she saw a pumpkin display. "Can we get pumpkins, Mama?" Then she took a moment, "We need two -- a big one for you, a little one for me."
Doing a quick calculation, I told her I thought it was too early to buy pumpkins.. "They'll get mushy by Halloween."
Then, she says, "No, Mom, they'll decay. That's what happens when they get old, they decay."
"Yes,” I say, recovering quickly, “You are so right. Mushy is what I said, but what I meant was... decay."
So, I guess I have the PBS show "Sid the Science Kid" to thank for being one-upped by a 4-and-1/2-year-old. Maybe now I don't have to feel so guilty when I let her watch "just one more show" in the morning, because I can't move off the couch after getting home from work at 11 p.m. and not going to sleep until 1 a.m. And hearing her siren call: "Moooooooooooooooooooommmmmmeeeeeeeeeeee" at 7 a.m.
Or am I just rationalizing my laziness?
Such is the life of a single, working mom. Constantly amazed at the capacity of a little mind. Constantly questioning if I’m doing right by her -- or doing enough -- or pushing too much.
Then, a reality check and I realize... all she really cares about are the pumpkins.
And, by the way, we’re waiting until next week on those pumpkins. I don’t want those decaying things around my house!
More posts from Sandwich Mom:
'Are those happy tears, Mama?'
'Use your words'