DQ | The Devolution

You know, there are times when things are clickin' and clackin' and all in the flow. And then there are times like when we were ready to leave the Dairy Queen. Joe was asked to put on his coat. He smiled, and said no. Joe was asked again to put on his coat. He again smiled, and said no, and then made like he was going to make a break for it. Julie scooped him up and walked straight out. Well. As you might imagine, Our Hero was having none of it. Wailing and flailing ensued, but Julie managed to wrestle him into the car seat by the time Ted had joined them with Baby Bird. Julie hadn't really thought her actions through further than the fact that she was just unwilling to send the bill on whether Joe would put on his coat to committee for debate and reconcilliation. She was over it.* We hadn't gone more than a block when Joe tearfully asked if he could please put on his coat. When you use your strong words and strong voice in this family, things happen--especially when two people are trying to teach another person that things do not happen when you cry. So Ted pulled over and Julie and Joe got out to put on Joe's coat. Some more tears were shed when Joe learned that he would have to get back in the car. Julie decided they both needed a hug so she scooped him up again and held him in the front seat. Our Hero stopped crying pretty quickly and consented to returning to the car seat and we headed home to turn on the Super Bowl.

It's tough--being little, and not in charge. You know what else is tough? Being big, and in charge.

*Julie is fond of noting when she's over it. The other day, Joe was overheard telling Berenice or Raleigh that he was "over it." We will never get over that.