You Lose.

It is no secret that my child is strong willed and I admire this quality in him (most of the time), but come on buddy… sometimes I would like to win.  Just once.

The other week we were at the mall in the food court.  We were with Cory’s family so we fought the crowds to secure a table for our group. I decided Chase and I would stay at the table while everyone else got their food (and food for Chase), then when they came back; I would go up and get my food while Chase and everyone else started eating. 

Great thinking, right?

Well, I guess not. 

The plan was going off without a hitch until everyone was back at the table and it was my turn to go up and get food.  Cory laid out Chase’s food for him so he could start chomping on it while I stood in the gruelingly long line for my food at Panda Express (yum, yum!).  As I stood up, Chase realized I would be leaving the table for a while and apparently, that wasn't acceptable.  Chase started screaming and threw a huge tantrum (I mean… tears, yelling, trying to leap out of his chair, kind of a fit (On a side note: it turns out  my child isn't very graceful when trying to leap).  So finally, after I was beat red from the stares of strangers and trying to pry my tot off of my arm, I swooped Chase up and brought him with me in line.  At that point, I would have rather held him for 15 minutes in the buffet line than continue to fight off the disapproving looks of foodies chowing down on their overly priced meals, getting their free entertainment at my expense. 

Instantly when we got in line, Chase calmed down.  He glanced at the table where our family was eating, kissed me on the check and said, “You lose,” as if trying his hardest not to gloat.

I couldn't even respond because he was, in fact, correct.   I did lose.