Mabel: When is it going to be my birthday?
Me: In a couple of months, Mabes.
Mabel: How long is that?
Me: (showing on calendar) Every one of these squares is a whole day. So we have to go from here...to here. Then it's your birthday.
Mabel: So the next day?
Me: Well, this day is your birthday.
Mabel: Can it be tomorrow?
Me: How come?
Mabel: Because everyone in my class is having a birthday and they're turning 5. I want to turn 5.
Me: You will, Mabes. You just have to be patient.
Mabel: Uggh, I HATE being patient! You always say I have to be patient! If you don't let me have my birthday I'm never going to cuddle with you again. Only Daddy will get cuddles! And Teita! None for you! Is that what you want?
Me: No.
Mabel: Well, I think you should take a time out then and think about what you need to do to make it my birthday.
Me: A time out?
Mabel: Yep. On the stairs. Go sit on the stairs.
Me: Alright Mabes. (I go sit on the stairs).
Mabel: Are you thinking?
Me: Yes.
Mabel: Are you ready to come out of time out?
Me: Yes.
Mabel: Alright, come on out. Now is it my birthday tomorrow?
Me: No Mabes, as hard as I tried, I couldn't make those months and weeks go by with my mind.
Mabel: Why?
Mabel: I could have done it.
Me: Okay well, I promise you Mabes, if you're patient and you enjoy the rest of the school year, your birthday will come before you know it. And it will be even better because you were patient and you waited.
Mabel: Sounds like somebody's making excuses.
Me: Who, me?
Mabel: Well, there's no one else here I'm talking to, is there?
Me: Noted.
Mabel: Sorry Mommy, that was rude. I shouldn't have said that.
Me: Aw thanks Mabes. I love you. It's okay.
Mabel: Is my birthday closer now?
Me: Yes.
Mabel: Yay!
