1. Sitting next to me in the rocking chair. He used to sit on my lap, but not so much anymore. The rocking chair is not big enough for both our tushies, but he has become insistent. He gets quite pleased when I squeeze myself in sideways and start reading.

2. Washing his hands. David is a champion water waster, and handwashing is the ideal time to show off his skills. He would love to stand there for hours calling for the soap.

3. Chocolate ice cream. Actually, ice cream, cake, cookies, candy. . .David is a dessert fiend. He starts the morning with “Cookie?” And basically keeps it up all day long.

4. Walking. I’ve almost stopped taking the stroller along because it just gets in the way. David walks to the neighborhood park. He walks around the block. He walks all the way down the hill to Addie’s house where we meet the gang after school.

5. Cooking. That’s John’s influence. All you have to say is “Do you want to cook?” and he comes rushing into the kitchen saying, “Stool! Stool!”

6. Taking baths with me. It’s the same every morning. I say to John, “I’m going to take a shower now.” And David says, “Me, me, me!” pounding his chest. Then he races up the stairs and I am treated to a lukewarm bath.

7. Balls, books, babydolls.

8. The telephone, particularly if I am trying to make plans with my sister. David does a very good, “Hi!”

9. Doing the laundry. Just mention the word and he’s charging down the stairs.

10. Turning on the fan in the bathroom. I truly don’t get the appeal. The fan annoys me so much I just steam out the bathroom, but every time David flips it, he bursts out laughing.