No.
(Scene: bedtime last night.)
Maya, will you give mama a kiss?
(Normally, this is followed by a sweet smooch.)
No.
Okay, then…lights out time. Good night!
Bye!
(Scene: lunchtime. Fussing heard from the other room, where Maya eats in her highchair)
Hey, Maya — looks like you’re done with lunch. Do you want down?
No.
Would you like some fruit?
(wait, wait, wait)
Would you like some banana?
No.
How about some apple?
No.
Would you like some pineapple?
No.
Maybe some oranges?
No.
Are you all done? Do you want down?
No.
Okay, would you like some milk, then?
No.
Do you want down?
No.
Well, just let me know when you’re ready to get down, then.
(I leave the room. Fussing resumes.)
Maya, what do you need?
(Maya signals “all done.”)
You’re ready to get down?
No.
Someone is learning the power of a new word. It’s fun to watch, but also vaguely irritating.
