Requirements for a Good Mate

If my daughters ever ask me what to look for in a good life partner, I will tell them that you need to find someone who has a good sense of humor and a strong sense of self.  These qualities are particularly essential if children are part of the family equation, as evidenced from the scenarios below:

Example of Why One Needs a Good Sense of Humor

John and I have a tradition of bringing the girls to Five Below and having them pick out gifts for our birthdays, Mother's Day and Father's Day.  Not only is it hilarious to see what they pick out; but, it is even better to hear their rationale for the presents.  The latest trip to Five Below was for Father's Day. Alice and Angela agreed on a super soaker for John (along with a stuffed Spongebob Squarepants, a set of electric blue headphones, an unheard of movie and a lollipop).  Given the enjoyment it gave him in the pool, I have to say their selection was spot on and it was five dollars well spent.  In particular, he took great delight in dousing Angela's butt which was peeping out from her little boy shorts.  She mostly found it funny, but at one point, she got frustrated as it kept breaking her concentration.  Seeing this frustration, John, of course, only sprayed her even more.  Angela reached her breaking point and yelled, "Jackass" at him.  Our reaction was probably not the best one.  We cracked up.  There is nothing like a three year old calling her dad a "jackass" on Father's Day.  I guess it is only fitting.  She crawled into bed with me on Mother's Day just to moon me. 

Example of Why One Needs a Strong Sense of Self

On weekend mornings, the girls like to snuggle with us in our king sized bed.  It sounds cozy and sweet.  However, it loses those feelings when one realizes it is around 6 in the morning.  Weekend snugglefest is our way to snag a few extra minutes in bed.  Sunday morning John was a bit more grogy than usual (late innings on a Yankee game).  He stretched and yawned when the girls hopped into bed.  The yawn must have sounded melodic to Alice's ears.  Afterwards she commented, "Daddy, you sound just like a princess."  Yep, nothing like having your masculinity called into doubt even before that first cup of coffee.