Communication Problems

Here's the thing: I can hardly understand a thing my son says.

Oh sure, we end up working it out - via a flurried combo of flailing arm gestures, Ella taking on translator-duties and Caleb taking on all-out tantrums - but sometimes just the fact that I haven't a clue what he's on about makes me feel like the only right I have to the 'mother' badge is to use it to pin my forehead with a 'LOSER' sign.

For instance:

Caleb: "Muuuma wooot doin waahflaches."

Me: "What am I what?"

Caleb: "Wooot doin waahflaches."

Me: "Uh...."

Cue me nodding enthusiastically.

Me: "Yeah! That's right!"

Cue Caleb catching onto my evil deception - manifested in a choreographed sequence of stomping feet that would probably score him a part in Riverdance, should he ever feel inclined to apply.

Caleb: "NOOOO!!!!"

Me: "What?"

Caleb: (yelling) "WOOOOT DOO-IN WAAAAAAHHHh-FLAKES."

Me: "I'm sorry, I don't know what you're saying."

Cue more screaming, etc etc etc until a moment of distraction is discovered and seized.

For instance:

Me: "Hmm, I'm not sure about that, but check out this awesome PLASTIC SPOON!"

Caleb: "Yay!"

A beat.

Caleb: "Muuuma wooot doin waahflaches pas-tika pooon?"