We took the boys to climb a mountain this weekend. A really high one. For months they've been begging us to go and have been discussing among themselves various mountain-climbing tips and scenarios.
One dominant theme of these conversations has been how "the baby" (#3, almost 3 years old) would manage to survive the adventure. You see, the two older boys are fiercely protective of their "baby" and have observed many near-serious-injury accidents involving this "baby," so they were reasonably concerned.
As we drove down the highway recently, we could view the mountain in the distance and this provoked a very pointed discussion about all the dangers the mountain posed for our "baby."
I recall #1 worrying that "the baby" would probably fall off the mountain because he tends to not obey our rules very well. I assured him that "the baby" would be very well watched and that at no time would we allow him so far from our grasp that falling off the mountain would be a possibility. He was satisfied.
#2 voiced his own concern that "the baby" would fall down on some rocks and cut his head (again). I assured him that while falling was indeed a possibility, he could as easily fall down in our yard and cut his head (again) and if this happened Daddy would just take him to the hospital and fix it (again).
#1 expressed anxiety about "the baby" stepping in poison ivy. #2 thought that "the baby" would step on a snake. #1 was disturbed by the possibility that "the baby" might get lost. #2 was sure that "the baby" would be kidnapped by bears or lions.
As we continued our drive down the highway, I took extra care to reassure the boys that their "baby" would indeed survive any mountain expedition--as would they. There was nothing to worry about. They could happily anticipate our mountain adventure without laboring over disastrous scenarios. Everyone would be okay. . .we would try to avoid any accidents. . .and we would have a great time.
To which #2 responded, "But what if his head just pops off?"
***Note: We successfully climbed the mountain. . .all heads in tact.
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