The World's Smallest Lawyer?

This is my first born... my first miracle. I waited over 10 years for this precious child... and only 5 short years after his birth he has already learned to outsmart his mother.

I can say without question... I am pretty darn sure this one might become the first lawyer in the family.

The Back-Story:

For a few months now Zach has been sneaking into our bed at night. This would not be a problem, except that he 'channels' Mike Tyson when he's sleeping. He thrashes, and kicks us- and occasionally punches his poor unsuspecting parents... and that's on a good night!

I have been struggling with making a "Stay Outta Our Bed" rule, because I figure maybe he really needs us during the night for some emotional reason, and I just can't deny him.

My most important rule as a Super-Mom is to ALWAYS sacrifice my needs for those of the children. In this case, it's my very valuable sleep and comfortable bed. I have been ending up on the couch most of these nights... and it's getting exhausting.

The Unexpected Solution:

During a commercial, I hear the boys screaming at the TV... they are so animated about this new pillow-pet. It's a stuffed animal, that unfastens into a pillow... very desirable to the little people in this house. There are several different pets, and just as many requests to have one.

I figure this is my opportunity to solve all our problems for $19.95 plus shipping and handling.

I say with authority "If you start sleeping in your own bed at night, Mommy will get you one."

Groan, whine, complain... "But Mom, that's soooo hard."

The Moment of Impact:

We were on our way to school this morning, and the boys were arguing about their walkie talkies. And I hear Zach use a term I've never heard before...

"Kyle, your such a smart ass."

I stopped the van... "Zach, what did you say?"

"Mom... he's such a smart ass."

"Zach, where did you hear that word?"

"I don't know Mom, just around the house."

"Okay Zach, well, how bout we make a deal? If you don't say it anymore... then neither will Mommy or Daddy. That word can get you into trouble at school, okay?"

The Counter Offer:

"Well Mom... how bout I don't say that word anymore and you get me a Pillow Pet? That sounds like a good solution to our problem... right Mom?"

The Only Card I had to play:

"No Zach, that's not a solution that works for me. You'll get your pillow when you stay in your bed. And don't call your brother names... because I said so."

Ugh, really? Because I said so? That's the best argument I can come up with...

Perhaps I should be sleeping in the top bunk...

I think his Pawn just knocked the Queen off the board. I believe he just outsmarted his Mom and I'm quite proud of him for doing so!