Why my kids amaze me.

9/4/07
I'm standing in the kitchen when Lacie (21 mos) comes in holding a place mat, pointing to the teddy bear. Now, this is one of two new place mats, introduced yesterday, so I thought she was interested in playing with it. So of course I go through all the pictures of characters on the mat and then take it to the table and set it down. She grabs it, picks it up and again shoves it towards me while pointing to the teddy bear. I sigh and go through all the numbered objects on the mat. Then I leave her with it and go back to the kitchen. In the time it takes me to wash my hands and turn around, Lacie has yet again, taken the mat, brought it to the kitchen and is now, quite impatiently, showing me the teddy bear. Now I'm aggravated. I've already seen the dumb bear. I've gone though all the characters. I've counted all the objects. What more do you want from me?!!
It's not until I emerge from the pantry minutes later (almost knocking over Lacie, who has been trying to get in, place mat still in hand) and spot the box of teddy grahams on the counter that it dawns on me -- "Do you want some teddy grahams?" I ask. Of course. As soon as I get her a little baggie-o-teddies she is happy as can be....and the place mat is history. That is, until her supply runs out and she wants a refill.