Peanut: Mommy! Mommy!
BossLady: Yes, my darling?
Peanut: Mommy! Mommy!
BossLady: Yes, what is it, Peanut?
Peanut: Mommy! Mommy! I LOVE YOU!!!
This was the first time that Peanut ever used the "L" word so, needless to say, my wife's heart practically exploded with the joy of a thousand little kittens. Me? I was torn between completely sharing in my wife's happiness and thinking to myself, "Yo, what the fuck! What about me?"
'Cause, you know, I'm petty like that.
Needless to say, I spent the rest of the weekend asking Peanut, "do you love Daddy?" And of course, every single time, she looked me straight in the eye, laughed, and said, "No." Broke my heart.
Anyone know where I can buy a pony in Manhattan?
Um....Central Park?
Posted by: Beth Pearce | November 27, 2006 at 05:10 PM
If it's any consolation, my daughter didn't tell me she loved me until 6 months after she said it to my wife. The worst part? I'm a SAHD!
Posted by: Jared | November 27, 2006 at 05:13 PM
A pony, huh? Good luck with that. My Peanut has discovered the dark side of "I love you." I got to hear "Mommy, I hate you" as he worked on identifying his emotions this weekend, followed by the bursting into tears and the crying, "Nooooooo! I LOVE you."
Me, not him.
Posted by: Velma | November 27, 2006 at 05:14 PM
Don't know where you can buy one, but I know where you can drug and kidnap one. Will that suffice?
Also, remember that the "I love you" was preceded by "mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy mommy." Take comfort in the fact that you didn't get that, too....
Posted by: CroutonBoy | November 27, 2006 at 05:20 PM
HA! Toddlers are so funny. They delight in fucking with your mind. But they're so cute you just can't seem to care. Then that's where they get you...
Posted by: Plain Jane Mom | November 27, 2006 at 05:56 PM
I know some gypsies who live in queens.
Posted by: dutch | November 27, 2006 at 06:26 PM
Here you go
http://www.thecityofnewyorkcity.com/stable/index.html#Manhattan
Monthly board will probably only run you $800 a month in Manhattan, if you are lucky!
Been there, doing that (not in NYC), just hoping to break even when she gets an equestrian scholarship :)
Posted by: COD | November 27, 2006 at 06:34 PM
No. But I bet you can buy one from Amazon.com. Maybe a pony is a bit much at two years old....try a Elmo movie, see if that works.
She's so fucking with you though. Smart little thing.
Posted by: Melissa | November 27, 2006 at 07:03 PM
Here ya go. It eats plastic carrots. I don't think it poops. I was thinking of getting it for my kid until I saw the price.
Mine says mommy mommy mommy a LOT and when I answer in my grumpy voice WHAAAAT???? she invariably nails me with an "I love you". I would totally get that pony as a guilt offering for all the crabby WHAAAAT's if I had the money. For now I guess she will have to settle for her dad as horsey. Which is always an option but doesn't guarantee results. Only bruised knees.
Posted by: Sue | November 27, 2006 at 07:04 PM
My heart is exploding vicariously for you both. Sigh.
Posted by: Mom101 | November 27, 2006 at 07:19 PM
Moms rock. That is until the little girl figures out how much more she can get from Dad. Like a pony.
Posted by: Wendy Boucher | November 27, 2006 at 08:14 PM
This is the story of my life. I am you and my hubby is your wife. Every. Single. Day.
Posted by: Oh, The Joys | November 27, 2006 at 08:49 PM
Scores West Side
536 W 28th St, NY, NY
(212) 868-4900
Bring $300.
A pretty girl will tell you she loves you. I promise.
Posted by: MetroDude | November 27, 2006 at 09:00 PM
I think there's a butcher shop in Park Slope ... oh wait, you mean a LIVE pony? Can't help ya there.
I'd be jealous and petty too, if that's any consolation. :)
Posted by: mrsfortune | November 27, 2006 at 09:23 PM
Yay, BossLady! Isn't it the greatest feeling in the world? (Sorry, MD. Your time will come.)
Posted by: leora | November 27, 2006 at 09:49 PM
My son actually signed "I love you" to both my wife and I tonight for the first time...Granted, I'm not entirely sure he knows what it means, and the words are a few months off, but boy it felt great! Then he went back to throwing a temper tantrum, so the joy was fleeting at best.
Your day will come, MD!
Posted by: Vampdaddy | November 27, 2006 at 10:11 PM
Aww. So much sweeter than:
"Mom. Mom. Mama. Mami. Mommy. Mommy. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mom. Mama. Mama. Mama."
"WHAT!?!"
"Hi."
Posted by: Michelle | November 27, 2006 at 10:14 PM
Ahhh...I remember the first "I love you!" Seems like such a long time ago. Now, I have young pre-teens who exult in yelling "I hate you!" Enjoy it while you can.
Posted by: Serena | November 27, 2006 at 11:31 PM
Don't worry, MD. Your day will come. She's just waiting you out so she can work you over for that pony!
Posted by: Stephen | November 27, 2006 at 11:38 PM
I love you, MD.
In a platonic, manly sort of way.
Posted by: Matthew | November 27, 2006 at 11:42 PM
The "I love you's" are great. But have the "I hate you's" come yet? You'll try to forget those.
Posted by: Clare's Dad | November 28, 2006 at 12:03 AM
Women. We are killers.
Posted by: Kristin | November 28, 2006 at 12:53 AM
At least she laughed first, dude.
;)
Your "I love you" is right around the corner, I'm sure.
Posted by: Jonathon | November 28, 2006 at 01:20 AM
Metro Dudes comment just made me snort. Sorry MD, I am sure your day will come. She is just making you wait, but the pay off will be sweet.
Posted by: Emily | November 28, 2006 at 01:21 AM
My Sweet Pea said, "Mommy, ah oo" and gave me a huge slobbery kiss when I was trying to get him to say "I love you" to me recently. It's the gist that counts you know? I'm reading your Peanut's "No." as, "Duh daddy."
BTW, since you know she'll eventually say, "I love you" and the Bosslady beat you to it anyway (hurray for the bosslady!) You should save the pony money for more important bribes (e.g. the get-rid-of-that-guy bribe).
Posted by: honglien123 | November 28, 2006 at 03:06 AM
Don't worry, mate. It will all happen soon enough. My daughter is 3 and I'll bet she says "I love you" 50 times/day. "Daddy, can I have some ice cream?" "No, sweetie. Maybe after dinner." "But Daddy, I LOVE YOU!"
"OK...maybe just one bite."
Posted by: Ian | November 28, 2006 at 09:03 AM
Have you tried 1-800-BUY-PONYS? (Leave off the last "S" off for savings!")
Posted by: Rog | November 28, 2006 at 09:06 AM
Congrats to the BossLady! It's always the most amazing thing in the world to hear your child say "I love you" for the first time. Makes up for a lot of the rough times.
Posted by: susan | November 28, 2006 at 10:17 AM
M&M's should work just as good as a pony and she will say it each time you give her a piece. Cheaper and more "Iloveyous" per pack.
Posted by: William | November 28, 2006 at 11:01 AM
Dude---whenever I ask my daughter if she loves me, she says "Yes. But not as much as I love mommy!"
If you find those ponies, let me know. Maybe we can get a bulk discount.
Posted by: Rich | November 28, 2006 at 11:22 AM
Awwwwwwwwwwwwww Poor Daddy.....I'm sure yours is coming soon. However I bet the more you ask for it, the longer it will take!
Posted by: Maniacal | November 28, 2006 at 11:42 AM
Don't worry. "You are the meanest person" is coming your way. Try not to laugh.
Posted by: landismom | November 28, 2006 at 11:51 AM
A pony? You're going to reinforce this behavior? LOL Silly man!
Posted by: Queen of Ass | November 28, 2006 at 12:19 PM
Hooray for Bosslady!
Posted by: Lisa B. | November 28, 2006 at 12:44 PM
Ahh, see you have to practice:
"Say, I love you momma. Say it... Say I love you Momma..."
"Ay yuh yoo Ahma."
They just need a little coaching. That's all.
xo
Posted by: Xdm | November 28, 2006 at 01:10 PM
Trust me- it will come around to you- and when it does- she will only want daddy to do EVERYTHING for her. Ours is going through that now. And I'm lovin it.
Posted by: Kristen | November 28, 2006 at 01:16 PM
Way to go, BossLady! As for you, MD... I asked LN the other day if she loved me and she said, 'No'. She's said "I lav oo" once to me, all because of a Laffy Taffy. If you'd like, I will mail you some leftover Laffy Taffy - they must be magical.
Posted by: Mama Nabi | November 28, 2006 at 01:42 PM
I think kids always tell their mothers first that they love them. I've never heard a case where they say it to the dad first. It must be some sort of karmic payback for enduring pregnancy and childbirth!
Posted by: Jennifer | November 28, 2006 at 03:26 PM
Aww, well that is just #1 of many mini heartbreaks you will be enduring at the hands of Peanut. She'll be gunning for BossLady soon!
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Posted by: Debojit | November 28, 2006 at 04:07 PM
I love hearing all the other parents comment here, MD. I just got my first "I Hate You!" this weekend. After the initial shock, my husband and I started laughing hysterically. Good times. Good times.
Posted by: gina v. | November 28, 2006 at 04:36 PM
That's too cute! But wait until she needs some allowances or need to borrow a car or something, then see how fast she'll blurt out "I love you Daddy!"
Posted by: Waya | November 28, 2006 at 07:06 PM
So sweet. Can't wait.
Yo sucka, in yo face! (said to husband, not you)
Posted by: KC | November 28, 2006 at 07:44 PM
Last night, as Daddy put WonderBaby to bed, I leaned in to kiss her goodnight while he held her in his arms. She PUSHED ME AWAY. TWICE.
He's going to hear the 'I love you' first, I just know it. So I need a line on those ponies, too. Hook me up.
Posted by: Her Bad Mother | November 28, 2006 at 09:08 PM
Oh, the little monkey!
Posted by: metro mama | November 28, 2006 at 09:27 PM
Awwww...don't feel bad, MetroDad. Your time will come quicker than you think. Like right after that pony is delivered, along with the furry puppy and Barbie's Dream Tuscan Villa.
Posted by: Glennia | November 28, 2006 at 10:07 PM
hmm... i know its no consolation but you have a loyal readership who quite love you!
Posted by: The Mad Momma | November 28, 2006 at 11:19 PM
Oh my gosh, is she playing you! Clever girl!
Remember, actions speak louder than words. She tells you she loves you a million times a day.
Posted by: momto3cubs | November 28, 2006 at 11:34 PM
Oh, as for the pony, have you seen this?! http://www.hasbro.com/default.cfm?page=browse&product_id=17783
My 4 yr old boy saw it at Target and was totally entranced--he probably would have stayed there all day if I'd let him.
Posted by: momto3cubs | November 28, 2006 at 11:41 PM
Man, that wouldn't fly in my house.
I need to go out and buy a pony now (and dye it pink)
Posted by: creative-type dad | November 29, 2006 at 02:45 AM