My Little Pony

“If you eat your whole dinner, I’ll give you twenty dollars.” Daddy thought this was a perfectly safe thing to say to you.  You never eat your dinner, and never ever your whole dinner, and never, ever, ever your whole dinner in a restaurant.  But you did.  Last night, you did.  When Daddy handed you a $20 bill across the table, you reached your little arm over the empty chips and salsa bowls to grab it. “Can I get a My Little Pony now?” you asked, with excitement in your voice and hope in your eyes.  Four months ago you wanted one in Target.  You must have really wanted it badly, because you still remembered.  So of course, the next day after school… I drove you to Target and let you pick out your cuddly My Little Pony.  I don’t know if I’ve ever seen you so excited and happy.  When Lucas told you he liked your pony, you hugged him and told him you would never be mean to him again.  After we got home, this was the only time Songbird Serenade left your arms. (Yes.  That’s your pony’s name.  No.  I did not make that up.) When you put her down on the floor so you could take pictures of her.  You’re very proud of your pony.  And I’m very proud to be your mommy.