L.J.'s Neighborhood

Santa Claus:
The past two years we’ve done a pancake breakfast with Santa at Ashley’s school. We had a conversation last weekend where L.J. was talking about Santa. He lives next to “Ashley’s school” and he has “boys.” L.J. wanted to know if there was a playground at Ashley’s school and whether or not Santa likes to go on the slide. He also makes toys and sometimes has to take a nap because he’s tired.

 (After further questioning, Santa’s “boys” are his “helper guys” more commonly referred to as “elves.”)

Easter Bunny:
L.J. asked me where the Easter Bunny lived and I told him I wasn’t quite sure. He said he knew where the Easter Bunny lives, using a tone of voice that clearly indicated I was a moron for not knowing. The Easter Bunny lives upstairs at the church up the street (where we participated in a meet & greet and egg hunt a few weeks ago).

Jesus:
Jesus is apparently a nomad and lives lots of places. Each time we pass a church, L.J. wants to know if that is “Jeebus’ house.”  He recognizes that these churches aren’t the same church we went to on Easter, but still refers to all of them as “Jeebus’ house.” Considering we haven’t been the best at taking him to church, it’s impressive that he recognizes many types and styles of churches.

Storm Shelter:
L.J.’s favorite restaurant is Chick-a-Lay, also known as Chick-fil-A. He loves nuggets and loves playgrounds, so it’s pretty much Utopia in his mind. The last time we went there was a storm approaching, so now when he sees Chick-fil-A he says that we go there to play inside so we are safe from the storm.

(There is a lot of storm safety talk these days thanks to his new favorite show, Fireman Sam.)

Ocean House:
The “ocean house” is the condo in Hilton Head we stay at in the summer. L.J. talks about the ocean house all the time and remembers many details from our trip last summer. He remembers way more than is normal for a child his age. He loves everything about the beach, the ocean house and his “beach clothes” (a.k.a. swimsuit).

To add to the wonder that is conversing with a preschooler, below are some cute conversations we’ve had over the past few months:

LJ: “Who’s this?”
Me: “Cookie Monster”
LJ: “Can we put cookies in him?”
Me: “No.”
LJ: “Oh. Cookies are just for Santa Claus?”

Mike: “LJ did you help Mommy make dinner?”
LJ: “Yes! We made pizza!”
Mike: “Pizza? I thought you were making stromboli?”
LJ: “It might be.”

Me: “LJ do you want some apple juice with your cereal?”
LJ: “No. We drink apple juice when we need help pooping.”
Me: “That’s prune juice, dear.”
LJ: “No, it’s apple juice. I’ll have milk.”

In the car on the way home from Greenville:
Hannah: *screaming*
LJ: “It’s ok Hannah. Don’t cry! Mommy will take us to see Nana and Poppa again very soon!”

Me: “LJ, let’s put our baskets on the fireplace so the Easter Bunny can see them easily. Then he will put treats in them for you and Hannah!”
LJ: “But mommy, we can’t put them on the fireplace!!”
Me: “Why not? Why are you upset?”
LJ: “If we put them on the fireplace Santa might trip over them and fall down and hurt himself!”
Me: …

LJ: “Why does Poppa have a cold?”
Me: “It just happens sometimes. He’ll be fine in a few days I’m sure.”
LJ: “Well I need to give him a lollipop so he’ll feel better and a hug so he isn’t sad to be sick.”

Me: “LJ are you a little boy?”
LJ: “No! I’m an LJ”

LJ: *accidentally drops something*
LJ: “Oh goodness me! My truck fell down!”

LJ: "I want to wear this one with arm-sleeves!"
Translation: He wants to wear a long-sleeved shirt.