Oedipus Complex

Atrain is the best staller around. Whenever he’s on track for bedtime he always finds a way to get derailed. After brushing his teeth tonight he insisted on getting a drink. I said ok, expecting him to hoist himself up to the faucet. But, of course he needs a cup—so he gets a measuring cup. Then dada needs a drink—but no mom, not from the measuring cup—he has to fill up dada’s pitcher. I giggle at his antics and then pull the stop.

So then we’re in his room, talking about tonight and tomorrow, just like we do every night. “It’s momma and Atrain’s special day tomorrow—no school, we get to stay home together!” I say. “Dada too?” he asks. “No, Dada still has to go to school tomorrow,” I explain. A disappointed expression grows on his face, then he changes the course of the conversation. “When baby J grows bigger and bigger, then he can sleep in my room?” he asks. (We talked about this last night). “Yep, you’re right Atrain—Jdog will sleep in your bed and you get to sleep in the bunk!” He smiles and his eyes grow bigger than quarters. “Then,” he continues with the same excited expression, “When I grow even taller and taller, then I can sleep in your room!” It takes me a minute to follow his train of thought and he sees my confusion, so he continues, “Taller like dada?” I smile bigger than I have all day. I guess my room is the top of the totem pole. Words can’t explain how much I love this kid. “You’re right Atrain, when you’re tall like dada then you can sleep in my room.” I lie with all my heart. When he’s that old he won’t want to anyway. I’ll soak it up while I can.