A few weeks ago, I read a statistic that 4-year-olds ask an average of 437 questions a day. I totally believe it, and think it’s definitely a little higher for 5-year-olds. One of these days, I’m going to keep count.
One of my co-workers is getting married this weekend, and that was perfect fodder for countless questions as Nicholas got ready for bed tonight.
“Mom, Jill’s getting married. What happens when you go to a wedding?”
“Well, the priest asks you some questions and then you celebrate.”
“What kind of questions?”
“If you love each other, if you want to get married, if you only want to be with each other…”
“Who is Jill marrying?”
“Her boyfriend.”
“She has a boyfriend??”
“Yes.”
“Oh,” he said, completely crestfallen. He always asks about her, even though he’s terribly shy around her. Crushes do that to a guy. Even the five-year-old kind. I think it was the red car she used to drive. You know how boys like flashy things.
“What if you don’t know the answers to the questions the priest asks?”
“Well, he’s asking if you want to marry your girlfriend, so I’m sure you know the answer. I hope so!”
“But what if you change your mind?”
“About getting married?”
He nodded.
“Well, then you say so and you don’t get married.”
“And then you don’t celebrate?”
“No, you wouldn’t celebrate.”
“Is everyone mad then?”
“Well, I’m sure they’ll understand. It happens sometimes.”
“She has a boyfriend?”
“Yes, honey, she has a boyfriend.”
Nine questions in … at least he didn’t ask what happens after the celebration. Even though we’ve already covered tongue kissing, I’m not sure I’m ready for the Birds and the Bees Talk just yet.
That is the cutest thing. Especially “And then you don’t celebrate?” Imagine if more people actually did recognize a mistake beforehand–reason to celebrate!
I have a feeling he’ll be quite the charmer later in life. What a cutie!
aw, little-kid-crushes are adorable! i wonder if any particularly outspoken kids have ever spoken up at the “if anyone knows of any reason why this couple should not be wed” part of the wedding. that could be traumatic. :)
That just totally made me smile. How cute!!