Ding Ding

Gracie (the 4 year old) is under the misconception that whatever she has to say at whatever moment is of infinitely more importance that any conversation myself or my spouse are having with anyone else, no matter the topic. Lately, she decided that she could say "Ding Ding" and AB and I would instantly stop our conversation and turn our attention to her. I don't know who taught her to say "Ding Ding" but I wish I knew. It sounds funny, but "Ding Ding" can be a little infuriating when you're trying to talk about something important, like who is taking the kid to school or which car seat goes where, or scheduling the afternoon. This isn't just a simple quiet little Ding Ding either. In fact, it's usually accompanied by high pitched cries of, "Daaaad, Mooooom, I'm trying to tell you something!" and maybe some arm flapping or foot stomping. It's impossible to talk over.

I'm convinced AB and I could be talking about how the house seems to have caught fire and formulating an escape plan and I'm pretty sure Gracie would interrupt us with a "Ding Ding" to tell us the status of her hunger, thirst, toy location, or whatever. 

Her mother and I have been working diligently to convince Gracie that in fact, her status or opinion is important to us, but that it is in fact rude and disrespectful to interrupt other people who are talking. We assure her that we will talk to her about whatever it is she needs to talk about as soon as the ongoing, now interrupted conversation, is over. 

It's still a work in progress.

Except during last night's lecture Anita Beth did advise Gracie that it would be okay to interrupt an adult conversation if Gracie or one of her sisters was choking, bleeding or had a bone protruding from their body. I thought this was wise of AB, but became slightly concerned that Gracie may interpret this to mean the next time Gracie wants AB to get off the phone all she needs to do is hand the 9 month old a pair of scissors or push Addie (the 2 year old) down the stairs. But then again I've probably seen too many McCauley Culkin movies. Gracie is usually pretty sweet. 

But the Ding Dings have to stop.