Back Seat Conversations

And why wouldn't I want to add a third voice to conversations like this?

Natalie: I'm going to name my blanket Shirley.

Liam: You can't name it Shirley. I named MINE Shirley. And my other one is Mother Shirley. (It's true. I'm not sure why, but he named his favorite blankie Shirley recently. I think he is proud of it, because he is finally coming up with creative names for things. As opposed to naming a blanket "blankie" or a stuffed dog "Dog". You get the idea. )

N: Okay. I'm going to name mine....Cakemaker.

Me: Wow, that's a really good name, Natalie.

L: (Obviously not happy with someone else being given kudos for creativity) Natalie, you can't name it Cakemaker. That's a real word, it's not a name that you just made up.

N: I'm naming it Cakemaker.

L: Natalie, you CAN'T name it Cakemaker.

N: Yes, I can. It's Cakemaker.

L: Natalie, it's a word that we use all the time. All the time we say 'Hey, where's the Cakemaker?'

For the record: 1) We don't usually make cakes. and 2) I know we have never used the word Cakemaker in a sentence.

L: If you are going to make up a name it has to be something brand new. Like "Pppffffttt".

N: What?!? Here's my Cakemaker.

L: Ppppfffft (quietly, under his breath)

N: What?? Nice little Cakemaker.

L: Ppppfffftt.

N: What??

I may never be able to re-enter the workforce again. My mind may actually be mush now.