Hatchling and I started out on pretty good terms this morning. We had breakfast (which somehow always entails a large sprinkling of cheerios on the living room rug), we snuggled, we watched a little television, and we pretty much just enjoyed hanging out together. These are my favorite kind of mornings.

When he awoke from a quick nap, the trouble began. First, my little angel tried to turn off the computer where I was working. This entailed dodging my outstretched leg, which was blocking his path, and fighting the hand that held him back. I asked him if he wanted a spanking. He shook his head no, and just to be sure I understood, he covered his little bottom with his hands. This is so cute, I have to keep myself from asking this question even when he's not in trouble because I just like to see it.

Twenty seconds later, he again tried to turn off the computer. I told him "No!" in my mean mommy voice. He looked at me, smiled, and then tried his hand at typing on the keyboard. This time, he got a swat on his leg. Wailing, he threw himself into my arms as if he had been mortally wounded. This lasted about 3 seconds, until he figured out that by reaching behind me, he could reach the keyboard. Another swat. Another wail.

Within ten minutes, he had been spanked several times. I had been hit, kicked, and almost head butted. At this point, I decided it was time for H to go to his room. I believe he is currently dismantling his diaper pail. Or maybe that is his crib. Whatever it is, it's making a heck of a lot of noise.

Perhaps we will like each other again by this afternoon...