We've Graduated!

What's that?  What's that?  Mommy, what's that?

This is typical Big E commentary coming from the back seat of the big red bus.

It's a pretty straightforward question and I can usually answer honestly and to the best of my ability.

But something has happened over the past few days.

He has stopped asking me what everything is and moved on to the question dreaded by every parent out there.

Why?  Why?  Why?

Over and over again.

I DON'T KNOW, GO ASK ANNIE LENNOX.

I'm sure that answer wouldn't pacify him.

Now, instead of rattling off things such as:

TRAIN.  STOP LIGHT.  FOR SALE SIGN.  HOOKER.

I have to say things such as:

IT'S DELIVERING FOOD TO BOYS AND GIRLS ALL ACROSS THE COUNTRY.

or

IT'S SO ALL THE CARS DON'T CRASH INTO EACH OTHER AND BURN UP IN AN INFERNO.

or

THEY ARE MOVING BECAUSE THEY ARE LIVING OUTSIDE THEIR MEANS.

or

YOU PAY THEM FOR S*X.  (just kidding on that one)

I am so close to rattling off the phrase I heard as a child more times than I can count.

BECAUSE I SAID SO.

I don't want to say it.  But Big E is going to make me.  He keeps pushing and pushing and pushing.

And then I'm going to hate myself.  I will be a cliche.