Bedtime Banter (Episode 1)

I couldn’t possibly keep these conversation gems with Mr. D all to myself, so I thought of creating episodes to share with you tidbits of our bedtime conversations. I find them amusing, fascinating, and sometimes sobering because Mr. D, who is currently 8 years old, has a mind that never rests (geez, I wonder where he gets that from?). Let me know what you think, feel free to comment below.

ONE EVENING:

(While walking up the stairs to his bedroom, I scooped my arm under his to link up our elbows…)

Me: I have to teach you how to be a groom.

Mr. D: Why? I’ll already be up there (the alter) waiting for my bride.

Me: Ok, then I have to teach you how to be an usher for your friends, you know for when they get married.

Mr. D: (laughing) I’m only 8 years old! They don’t even have a crush! Or maybe they do…but I think they would tell me…when do you think I’ll get married?

Me: I have no idea. Whenever you find the right person I guess.

Mr. D: Ya, but when do you think?

Me: I don’t know, maybe 30?

Mr. D: How old were you when you got married?

Me: I was 28. Your father was 37.

Mr. D: So that makes you 9 years apart?

Me: Yes

Mr. D: How many years apart are nonno and nonna (grandfather and grandmother)?

Me: 6

Mr. D: Oh, so really close!

Me: GOODNIGHT!

Mr. D: Goodnight, I love you, bye, sweet dreams see you tomorrow, bye. I hope you had a very nice day today and I hope you have a very nice day tomorrow, bye! (He repeats this phrase every night to each member of the family before bed, including Luna our dog!).

ANOTHER EVENING:

Mr. D: What’s a maiden name?

Me: A woman’s last name before she gets married. I never changed mine so I don’t have a maiden name. Some people choose to change it.

Mr. D: Why do they change it?

Me: Some people want everyone in the family to have the same last name I guess. You know what maiden means? A woman who is not married.

Mr. D: Why didn’t you change it? You don’t want to have the same (last) name as us?

Me: No. It doesn’t change the fact that I’m still your mother. I was born with this (last) name and I want to die with this (last) name.

Mr. D: Why does Mr. B (my nephew) have so many names? (Ever since Mr. B was born Mr. D has kvetched about him having three names—his concern is that he will have a hard time explaining his name when he’s in kindergarten, namely at circle time, because he will be asked to share his full name—and that it will be embarrassing!).

Me: I don’t know, that was his parents’ choice.

Mr. D: Why don’t I have a middle name?

Me: Because I thought your (full) name was already too long.

Mr. D: But what would it have been?

Me: Cosimo (my father’s name).

Mr. D: Oh. Well then I’m glad Mr. B has that as one of his middle names. It sounds better with his last name (which starts with the same letter).

Me: GOODNIGHT!

Mr. D: Goodnight, I love you, bye, sweet dreams see you tomorrow, bye. I hope you had a very nice day today and I hope you have a very nice day tomorrow, bye!

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