Chomp!

Whenever people ask me "Do you have a baby?" I always say, "Yes." Because it's true. Sort of. Up until his 2nd birthday this past summer, I technically did have a baby. I knew that he would turn 2 and I would have to stop referring to him as my baby, but old habits die hard. After today, I definitely can not call him my baby and must only refer to him as my big boy. Or, I guess son would work, too. :)

When I picked him up from Grandma and Papa's today, my baby was doing something I thought I had at least 3 or 4 more years before it started. No, I'm not talking about using the "potty" or speaking in full sentences. My son was chewing gum. Now, I'm not at all upset that he was chewing gum. It's not like I've got a no fun policy for my child. I just really didn't expect him to have any concept of gum chewing. I mean, up until now, he knows to put food items in his mouth, chew a few times, and swallow. Pretty basic stuff. But today, he had a piece of gum, and apparently had it for at least an hour. The same piece! I just couldn't believe it. I just can't comprehend how in the world my 2 year old knows that chewing gum is just for that-chewing. He didn't swallow it, he didn't stick it in his hair. Nothing. Just chewed. Amazing. All the way home, he happily smacked his gum and said "num, num, num" with every chomp. And I have to admit, after I got over the shock that I have a son who is old enough to chew gum, I thought it was all pretty cute. I just have to face facts and realize that my baby is growing up. It's so cliche, but I'm going to say it. They really do grow up so fast. Before I know it, he's going to be starting school, then graduating....and on and on to times and places that really will make me cry if I think about too hard. So I'm not going to. Not yet. I'm just going to enjoy this new milestone in our lives and be thankful for everything we have.

The only problem is, now that's it's nap time, how am I going to get this gum out of his mouth?