this morning
as i was getting timmy’s school snack ready
zachary tried to get a spoon out of the drawer
i told him no – he didn’t need to get a spoon
i came back a minute later and his hand
was in the drawer…
i took it out
and told him no, again
he walked over and stood by the dishwasher
arms crossed
chin down
pouty face
i looked at him
he looked at me
i went on with what i was doing
he said
“i so mad at you, mama!”
“you’re so mad at me?”
“yes!”
“are you angry because i wouldn’t let you have a spoon?”
“yes.”
we continued our discussion
about why he wanted a spoon
and made a plan
to get a spoon later
that worked for both of us
amazed
that his ability to discuss
and problem solve
the way i’ve taught him
seems to surpass that
of his older siblings!
i am one proud mama!!
snapshots: life with boys 
Sounds like my interactions with the puppy, except she doesn’t ever stop trying to get what I don’t want her to get, and we don’t ever get to resolve things by talking it out. But the first part I can relate to!!