Superhero Max

Picture this :: Max bundled up in his down jacket. Mama bundled up in her down jacket. Rain. Groceries on mom's arm. A desk light in a bag on mom's arm.  As we meander down the street back to our apartment/hotel Max spots the rocks about a 1/2 block away from our place. We did nothing fun this afternoon so when he wanted to get one I stopped. After a few minutes I said it was time to go. In his already well groomed male hearing, he ignored me. I restated the expectation & said this is no fun (our form of discipline). Max replies with his latest strategy. He goes limp. It is hilariously entertaining. I can't pick him up. I can't get him to look me in the eye. It's like trying to pick up jello. It's so funny I have to fight to not laugh every time. It's as if he has some crazy super hero power that makes him impossible to pick up.  As this was happening yesterday I was laughing & losing my patience all at once. I snapped at Max in my best mom voice then we both preceded to fall over. Yep. On the streets in Dunedin, bags in my head, massive winter coats we tumble. College students all around, I'm sure thinking how happy they are that they have chemistry homework & not an 18 month old. For a girl that likes to impress and have it all together all I could do is laugh, grab a rock, scoop my jello super hero up & walk.  I'm sure he will grow out of this as we lovingly guide but man it's funny. I was telling my friend Celeste who has a little girl Max's age & we were laughing so hard we were crying. The creativity of Max & his ability to strategize makes me smile. Eventually it will actualise itself in ways that will be extraordinary. Until then I will try not to laugh too hard.