Competitiveness

Competitiveness is going strong in our household. With 4 children so close in age, it is no surprise; however, it does entertain me at times. Tonight as I was getting Jacob into his pajamas, Addie was downstairs under orders to bring her toys upstairs before bed.

Addie yells, "Mom. I'm just going to go pee first!"

Jacob, who was naked and in the process of getting his shirt on screams, "NO! ME first!" as he dashes out of his room and makes a break for the bathroom.

Simultaneous urination takes place with Addie downstairs, and Jacob upstairs. Also taking place,  simultaneous shouts of triumph:

Jacob: "I win! I win! I'm first!"

Addie: "I'm first! I win!"

Seriously? We're talking about taking a pee, for crying out loud. They crack me up. I had to settle the matter, as many a mother is called upon in the line of duty:

"Jacob was first upstairs, and Addie was first downstairs. You both win. It's a tie!"

Tada! Mommy to the rescue. My life is seriously ridiculous at times.

Along the same lines, Jacob has recently learned the phrase "I'm second!" from his older sisters. Since everything around here must be a competition - and I assure you, I do mean everything - the kids have taken up the tradition of declaring, "I'm first!" Well, that led to the correction of "No, Jacob. I'm first. You're second." Lucky for us, Jacob doesn't care what he is, as long as he can triumphantly declare his status while shouting and jumping up and down. Ahh, the simple joys. So for now, Jacob is more than happy to say, "I'm second! I'm second!"

I guess all in all, second out of four isn't too shabby.