Telling Time, Milo Style

Last week I spent some time in Memphis for business. While I have been away several times on business since Milo has been born, this was the first time away from Finn. It was also the first time away from home that Milo really seemed to notice. At least notice in a negative fashion. The first night away I called over at bedtime, offering to tell him a story over the phone, sing him a song, say his prayers with him. Milo got on the phone and started crying, telling me how much he missed me and wanting to know where I was, and why wasn't I home? Let me tell you, this nearly killed me. Phone conversations usually are brief, he tells me he loves me, describes a movie he watched, etc. This time, it was heartbreak. Finn of course barely noticed I was missing.

Mark assured me that all was well but could sense the sorrow in my voice and that I was missing my boys too. The next day he related this story to me to cheer me up and I thought you might appreciate it as well.

That night Milo was looking through a catalog of toys and got to the page of Transformers. You know those charming toys he has been obsessed with. I have mentioned them to you before. He was perusing the catalog letting Mark know which Transformers he does not have and would like. (Starscream, Soundwave, Grimlock, Swoop, Prowl, the list goes on) Mark kept telling him, "Perhaps you will get those at Christmas time." or "Christmas time is almost here buddy, you will just have to wait."

The next morning Mark is getting both boys ready. (Have I mentioned how fantastic Mark is for handling both boys solo, while I am on a business trip?) Milo keeps telling Mark something about the kitchen, the clock, and asking him to follow him.

Milo: Daddy come here
Mark: What?
Milo: Come with me, I have to show you something (taking Mark's hand)
Mark: What do you have to show me?
Milo: In the kitchen, the clock
Mark: (fearing that the clock has been knocked down, chocolate milk spilled on it, etc) Okay
Milo: Look Daddy look! (pointing at the digital clock which is sans milk and on the counter where it should be)
Mark: What about the clock?
Milo: Look Daddy, it is Christmas time right there! (pointing at the clock) Can I have my transformers now? I need Grimlock, Starscream, Prowl...

Mark had to stifle a laugh, and we chuckled over this for a while when I called him later that night. You have to hand it to him. Milo can really work pretty much any angle that will get him a new Transformer, can't he? For the record, it didn't work, Mark didn't fall for it.