Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Pop Goes the Diva

A little background information:

In our house, passing gas is referred to as "pops." When Diva was little, she was quite scared by the prospect of passing gas, especially if this act was to occur in the bathtub. In an effort to make it okay, we explained that this was just her booty's way of talking ... thus "pops." This worked great for a two-year-old, but she has not remained a two-year-old.

The fear has passed. In fact, the comfort level has gotten a little too high lately. In an effort to instill some semblance of manners in Diva, we have set up some rules. "Pops" are not allowed at the table, in front of company, etc. If possible, she is to go to her room to "pop." She is surprisingly compliant with this ... and as an added bonus, it is also funny to watch. In mid conversation, she will take off running saying "I have to go to my room to pop." We get the concept that some things shouldn't be done in public, but not quite that we should be discreet about such things. It is a work in progress.

Fast-forward to the first day of school:
All of the family piles in the car to see Diva off on the first day of school. Pictures are taken as she walks into the building and makes her way towards her classroom. Her classroom is at the bottom of the stairs. As she started down the stairs, she paused. There were lots of people in the hallway and she was clearly blocking the flow of traffic. In an effort to speed her up, I called her by name and then attempted to nudge her down the stairs. I should know better by now ...

Feet firmly planted, she glared back at me and said:
"Hold on Momma, I was popping!"

Wow, really ... did we just announce that in front of the entire school and assorted family members? And it was an announcement, as we only have one volume level for sharing "personal" information ... and it's just a hair shy of screaming.