Just look over there....

FYI: We're making the little people incognito on the blog.  A: it's fun.  B: it's safe.  Please try and refer to them by their code names on the blog.  If you need help figuring out who is who, you are a bad grandparent.  Just kidding!  You can always ask via email or phone! 

Wobbles has been trying a new trick of "Mummy/Daddy, just look over there for a second..."  Because we weren't born yesterday, Mike and I know that this usually precedes her doing something she already knows is naughty and which she will get in trouble for.  I have never fallen for it.  Mike only fell for it twice. 

One of the great examples of this came this week at the local Tesco.  We had nipped in for a few things, and it was completely understood by all parties that this was a "milk trip; no sweeties!"  Of course Wobbles had to be reminded of this during all stages of the visit.  Unbuckling from the car, getting the trolley, getting the milk and bread.  We finally get to the till, and I absent-mindedly chose a till next to the pick and mix.  Wow.  You could see the saliva forming in the corner of her mouth.  Again came the pleas.  I stood firm and said "No."

Wobbles has the best poker face.  Seriously, that kid has got skills in the lying and schmoozing department.  Her tactics turned and it was suddenly very calmly, "Mummy, I know I can't get sweets today, but can I just go look at the sweets."  For just a second I thought to myself, "Sure.  She can just look.  What kid doesn't like to plot about sweets."  Then I noticed her tell -- the put-upon, if-I-throw-a-tantrum-I-won't-get-it calm.

"Wobbles, I'll be watching you every second you're at the pick and mix."

"What?!? No!  You can just...look over there for a few seconds!"

"Nope.  That seals it.  You stay with me.  I know you're going to go over and eat those sweets, and then I will take you straight home and you'll be in BIG TROUBLE."

First came shock and surprise -- "What?  How did you know?" 

"I'm your mother.  I know everything." 

Then came the pout.  And a few tears.  And then we left and she moved onto something else. 

So.  If Wobbles ever tells you to "just look away for a second,"  be prepared.  She might be plotting how to take over the world.