Against the Code

Posted on Thu 10/02/08 in Fatherhood

As I'm sure I've previously mentioned on several occasions, there is a code that parents are supposed to follow. There are certain underlying protocols that lead to healthy, well behaved children (well, supposedly). Tonight was one of those instances where the code was broken.

Which code was broken? Thou shall not laugh hysterically when my child does something absolutely inappropriate, no matter how hilarious it is.

Preface: We've been half-heartedly potty training Ethan for about 6 months. It's really hard! But, with the economic crunch, those diapers are seeming more expensive. OK! I'll get on with it. But the reason this is important is that upon coming to dinner tonight, Ethan showed up, unbeknown to me, with no undies on. Oh yeah, his booster seat is plastic.

If you have an ounce of imagination, you can guess in which direction this is going. We're just sitting and enjoying our dinner, when Ethan leans over to the right a bit. Then, riiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiip. Gas was forced from cheek to plastic. Beth and I lost it instantly. Even McKenzie started laughing; six months old and already realizes that farts are funny. Ethan joins in, as proud as an All-American Frisbee Golfer. Our entire family was out of control. Once we calmed down, we reminded Ethan that his actions at the table are unacceptable and rude. Another one came out and we lost it again.

Farts are funny. That's part of some code somewhere, right?