Mommy Confessions ~~ Ren says it...

You've seen posts about Ren.  He's my precocious 4-year-old.  He just started preschool last week.  He already has the "back to school" summer cold that seems to be making the rounds in this part of Ohio right now.  He is the middle child, only boy in a family with 11 girls (this is A and CS plus my 9 nieces), and 100% All-American little boy.  He loves classic cars, trains, and is really into construction equipment right now.  Yes, he's a typical 4-year old little boy.  Right down to the less than tactful way he says things.  Especially those things he knows better because they have been labeled "naughty" by us. 

Here is the latest example.  This happened today when A had a doctor's appointment. 

We are running late, which is highly unusual for me.  Yet, this was the very first time I've ever signed A out of school and it took FOREVER, but I digress.  Anyway, we are running about 5 minutes behind.  We head into the office and straight to the waiting room.  I sign A in and tell the kids to sit down and play with the toys they brought in.  A gets called into the room and she heads off.  (Just in case you are wondering, no I didn't go with her.  It's her dermatologist and she was just seeing the nurse for a check on her hand.  No big deal, no needles, just a once over and we were on our way).

Well, while A is back in the room with Nurse Joyce, this lady comes in.  She is wearing hospital scrubs and is looking like she is exhausted.  Ren is casually sitting near the sign-in sheet playing with his Hot Wheels.  The lady goes to sign in and bends over.  It is right then that Ren looks at me with his eyes like saucers and says "Mommy lookie, that lady has a BIG booty".  I wanted to die, fade into the wall paper, anything but be right there.  I hushed him and said "We don't say things like that Ren".  To which he said "But Mommy, that lady in the purple shirt has a really BIG booty.  Didn't you see it?"   Why won't the earth just swallow you up when you need it too?  Instead, I quickly knelt down and explained that "booty" is a very hurtful and naughty word.  That it makes people's heart hurt when someone uses hurtful words.  He shook his head in understanding and told the lady he was sorry.  She smiled and said "It's alright, I know it's not small".   At least she had a sense of humor right?!??!  Sheesh!