Thinking of Fruit

Over the past few months I've heard Maggie exclaim, usually in times of distress, that she's "thinking of fruit." And she doesn't just say nonchalantly, "Mom, I'm thinking of fruit..." do-dee-do. She says it passionately and with urgency, like, "MOM, I'M THINKING OF FRUIT HERE!!!" As if that's supposed to indicate major seriousness - the world's about to end serious.

Perplexed and amused, but always in a huge hurry when this is happening, I've never quite understood what in the world she's talking about. Well, this morning, I got a better (I guess?!) idea...

So, it's my understanding that "thinking of fruit" entails a big castle table covered in a white tablecloth with fruit bunched together on top. Hmmm, ok...

And then I asked, "What exactly is the fruit doing on the table?"

To which she replied, "Sitting there looking pretty."

Trying to stifle my giggles, I ask, "And that's a bad thing?" "YES, MOM! It's totally bad!"

"But you like fruit," I say.

"I know." She says. "But that's just to eat. The fruit on the table is a different thing."

After more of this hilarious back-and-forth, I come to discover that "thinking of fruit" happens primarily when she's embarrassed, uptight, anxious, or over-stimulated. Hmmm....ok, again.

I'm bouncing between thinking this is hilariously funny, strangely weird and possibly problematic when Josie, who's listening in quietly to this whole exchange says, "Maggie, you have problems."

To which I retort, "Jos, we ALL have problems."

And she says, "NO, Mom, not just problems. Issues."

Just another day in the life...

:)