He's A Hit With The Ladies

A couple of days ago, when I picked up my son from his playground at daycare, two little girls in his class walked up to me. They were very cute - one dark-haired with pigtails, the other blonder than El Nino and with a ton of riotous curls.

The dark-haired one grabbed her friend's hand and looked at me very seriously. I didn't say anything, just smiled down at them. She shuffled her feet for a moment before asking, "Can T. come over for a play date?"

"Sure," I said. "If he wants to."

"Really?" she asked, eyes widening. Her blond friend began to practically bounce up and down with happiness.

"If he wants to," I said again.

They squealed and ran off, the blond one elbowing the brunette and whispering (not quietly, of course - they're six - they don't do quiet), "Don't tell her! Don't tell her!"

El Nino ran over to me at that moment and I took his hand and we walked to the car. I mentioned the little girls to him, hoping my tone was casual enough. "So, I think those two little girls have a crush on you."

He rolled his eyes and, his voice dripping with exasperation, said, "Oh I know, mommy. They chase me all over the playground."

"They do?"

"Yeah! They chase me every day. They're always trying to kiss me and they want to smell my armpits." He shook his head. "It's so annoying!"

I couldn't help but laugh. Chasing him to kiss him I understand. But armpits? So I had to ask. "Why do they want to smell your armpits?"

"I don't know. They're weird. And annoying!"

I guess things have changed since I was little.