I stood in the kitchen one late afternoon last week, emphatically imploring Edie to stop doing whatever it was that she was doing. I can't even remember specifically what she was doing but I know without doubt that it was wearing thin any remaining patience I possessed from another long day in the trenches.
After bickering back and forth for what felt like a lifetime, Edie sighed, clearly exasperated. She closed her eyes and took in a slow, deep breath. As she opened her eyes, she put her right hand on her hip and, with her tiny chubby finger, pointed to the clock on the wall and said,
"Mom, you see that clock on the wall over dare?!
It says it's time for you to stop and leave me alone!"
Well played, Edie. Well played.