When Munchkin was seven months old, I needed to sit her down in my bedroom for a few minutes. Since she fiercely resisted my efforts to get her into the bouncy seat, I put her in the bassinet that she no longer used. Monkey came into the room and, after pushing the bassinet around as if it were a train (in his world, everything is a train), he occupied himself with making Munchkin laugh. I turned my back briefly and then was shocked when I saw that Munchkin had pulled herself to standing and exclaimed, "Holy crap!" And just like that, my attempts not to swear in front of Monkey were completely foiled.
As soon as the words left my mouth, Monkey asked me what I said and why I said it. According to the developmental charts Munchkin's newfound skill was way ahead of schedule (and her teeth generating skills were already behind), so a little shock and awe felt justified. However, I should have known better. Monkey questions everything that passes my lips ("Why are you sighing?") and then imitates them (Me: Monkey, put your toys away. Monkey: Big sigh). The only other times I've said anything similar have been under my breath and I've been able to cover by telling him I said, "Oh, snap!" I know there are worse words to say, but when every word heard by a three-year-old is repeated back to you at the least opportune times, a parent needs to tread very very carefully.
I've learned my lesson, but it might be too late. It's been about six weeks since I uttered those fateful words and a few days ago, Monkey says to me, "Mami! Look! Munchkin is standing up!" "Yes, I see." I replied. Then he looked me in the eyes and with a little grin said, "Holy crap!"
As soon as the words left my mouth, Monkey asked me what I said and why I said it. According to the developmental charts Munchkin's newfound skill was way ahead of schedule (and her teeth generating skills were already behind), so a little shock and awe felt justified. However, I should have known better. Monkey questions everything that passes my lips ("Why are you sighing?") and then imitates them (Me: Monkey, put your toys away. Monkey: Big sigh). The only other times I've said anything similar have been under my breath and I've been able to cover by telling him I said, "Oh, snap!" I know there are worse words to say, but when every word heard by a three-year-old is repeated back to you at the least opportune times, a parent needs to tread very very carefully.
I've learned my lesson, but it might be too late. It's been about six weeks since I uttered those fateful words and a few days ago, Monkey says to me, "Mami! Look! Munchkin is standing up!" "Yes, I see." I replied. Then he looked me in the eyes and with a little grin said, "Holy crap!"
After writing my post, I did see this, courtesy of Bristol Palin. Somehow, I feel much better.
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