Mr. Grubby:


Mr. Grubby takes a bath:


Jabin learned how to say "no" this week. He'd been trying it out, experimentally here and there on a few other days, but today was when he finally realized the full impact and power of the word. He enunciates it so clearly, with such a drawn-out delivery, it is like he is making sure you have no excuse to mis-understand his intention. And he's been practicing it at each and every opportunity he can think of--all. day. long.

Tonight, he was playing outside with his brothers and some friends of theirs, and when I went out to check on him one time he was gaily filling the dog's water with kibble.

"Jabin, don't do that," I said, as I scooped the soggy kibble out of the water with my hand and physically transported him about ten feet away, pointing him in another direction. Of course, he was not to be so easily distracted. As soon as his feet touched the bricks on the patio, he turned around as though to make for his kibble relocation project again.

"No, Jabin," I said. "You leave the dog's food alone, please."

He looked at me, clearly understanding what I was telling him to do, then formed his mouth into a perfect little "o".

"Nnnnoooo!" he said. He didn't move, but I could tell he wanted to.

"Jabin," I said, that don't-push-me tone in my voice.

"Nnnnoooo!" he repeated.

"Go play with your toys! Go play with your trucks! Go play with Zekers!" I suggested, indicating the general area of the yard where each was located with my arm for every prompt.

"Nnnnoooo!" he replied each time, just as emphatically as before. He finally decided to make for the dog kibble again, but when he saw me take a step towards him he thought better of it and made for his truck in the opposite direction instead.

Also, the hole of muddy water where the kids had made "Mud Stew" earlier.

Thus, the bath.