Space rangers don't go to time out, Mom.

Over all I would classify Nathan as a very well behaved three year old. A calm, passive three year old? No. He is active and has a terrible stubborn streak that drives me and his Father crazy. I keep telling myself, maybe he will be just as stubborn when it comes to peer pressure. I don't hold out much hope for that theory but sometimes it gets me through the day. My increasing girth has given him more opportunity than I like to skirt the edges of acceptable behavior and I worry that there will be quite a reckoning when things get back to "normal", at least as far as Mommy's reflexes go.

I do have some thoughts on the threes though:

1. It is called the "Horrible Threes" because of, in my opinion, the back and forth nature of preschooler logic. They will follow a rule with no question, listen to your requests and ask intelligent questions one minute only to have a complete melt down the next because, for example, you can't read that sign for them. The fact that you are driving down the highway at 70mph, are at least trying to watch the road and can't look at what they are pointing to has no bearing on their reality. They can not describe the color, associated pictures or buildings to give you any kind of clue about what they are talking about but you MUST tell them about it. It is kinda like living with a time bomb, a cute loveable time bomb that lulls you into a false sense of calm.

2. If you are a tired and cranky momma that cute things that they say when they are getting in trouble only amuse the rest of the audience.
For example,
Me: "If you don't stop that we will have to go to time out, Nathan."
Nathan: "Space rangers don't go to time out, mom." And having established the facts he continues to zoom around the room at church as all the folks with grandchildren give him the immense satisfaction of laughing as subtly as they can manage, which isn't very subtle at all, I might add.
To the woman who wrestled him into clothes, the car, and through the parking lot it just isn't nearly as cute. Daniel has a better sense of humor than I do and tells our space ranger that it is because they know better than to get in trouble.

3. They have learned the art of negotiation and compromise but have missed the vital part of this whole thing that means that sometimes the answer is still no. On the other hand at times it definitely works to your advantage since they also haven't got the best grasp on what constitutes an advantage.
Nathan:"I want a sandwich"
Me:"Sorry it's not lunch time yet"
Nathan, after some thought: "I can have two sandwiches?"
Me:"It's not lunch time yet, Nathan."
Nathan, wailing as he flops to the floor:"Two sandwiches!!!"
Or my favorite:
Me:"Pick up one block"
Nathan, whining:"I want to pick up two blocks!"
Me, after blinking and trying to find the catch here:"Okay, two blocks"
Nathan, very happy now:"Okay, two blocks!" and then he picked them up.

4. To sum it all up I would still have to say it is my favorite age so far because we have the most delightful conversations and he has such delightful insights about the world. From his pure prayers to his delight at being able to teach baby sister how to play with his cars when she "gets born" I love every minute of it and wouldn't want to be anywhere else.