Trying my patience while trying not to laugh...

It all started with Baby E coming over to Baby C's blanket to read with him.  It was sweet.  It was cute.  It was photo worthy (wish I could share it here).  E was being so darling that I ignored the fact that he had taken a paper book from the shelves.  He was being careful so I just kept a watchful eye.  He quickly started crumpling the pages so I told him to give the book to Michael...in his hand.  That last part is important to remember. 

E looked at Michael out of the corner of his eye and threw the book to the ground.  He was reminded of his task.  He picked up the book and threw it at Michael.  I sent him to timeout.

He was very sad.

He did his time and was directed back to the book and Michael's out stretched hand.  He picked up the book and walked confidently over to Michael stopping just inches short of his target.  E wouldn't budge.  He expected Michael to reach out and take it from him.  I told him he needed to place it in Michael's hand.  E threw that book high into the air and without prompting sprinted for the timeout rug.

He happily lounged for this timeout.

E was reminded of the steps he would have to complete in order to obey.  He quickly located the book, picked it up, turned his back on Michael, and slowly walked backwards towards him.  E got close to Michael and without turning around tried to launch it over his shoulder into Michael's waiting hand.  He didn't miss a beat and skipped over to the timeout rug.

He sang himself a ditty during this round of timeout.

Round 3.  I gave him the same directions, he tried a different tactic.  He went straight for the book, picked it up, marched to Michael, feigned placing it in his hand but instead placed it on the couch, on its side, leaning against Michael's hand and marched back to timeout.

 

Enjoying every moment.

I suppose he finally recognized the error of his ways (...ahem...toyed with us long enough) because he happily completed the task without any more reminders, having fully understood me from the beginning.

Oh, you wonderful, wonderful boy. 

How you try us and make us giggle behind our hands at the same time.