Joseph: Mom, I’m going to start to be a teenager.

Me: What does that mean?

J: It means you walk like this…(he demonstrates, walking slowly while swinging his arms), and saying things are “swag.”

Me: Swag? What does that mean?

J: It can mean free stuff or just things are cool. Ya know–swag.

Me: Ok. Well goodnight. Do I still get a hug and kiss goodnight even if you are a teenager?

J: Yes, of course!

Me: Oh, whew. 

He says goodnight then comes back a minute later, teenager-swag-walking into the family room. 

Me: Come back to get your stuffed animal to cuddle with?

J (smiling): Yeah. 

He picks up his beloved Daisy, the stuffed ocelot, gives her a hug, and teenager-walks out.

(Teenager walk demo:) [wpvideo p6TqSU1i] 
—-

Another night… Joseph comes to say goodnight. 

Me: You smell nice.

J: Thanks. You know why? I used that 2-in-1 shampoo all over!

Me: It’s better to just use that on your hair, there’s other kind of soap in there for your body.

J: Look at us, talking about soaps! I really am a teenager.