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Literal Benjamin

Sunday afternoon, Benjamin and I went Christmas shopping. Christmas shopping with a five-year-old is an interesting experience. Here’s why:

Nicholas has wanted a toy Wegmans’ Hauler Truck forever. It’s a miniature version of the grocery-store delivery truck, with all the bells and whistles. Literally. It lights up, makes truck sounds, plays music…a little boy’s dream. And Nicholas has been talking about the truck since last Christmas – which is an eternity in kid years. Each trip to the grocery store finds Nicholas seeking out the truck for a little playtime. Not that he needs another truck, mind you. I have more trucks in my house that I had ever thought possible. Life with boys.

So this past Friday, Nicholas and I were grocery shopping, and after check-out guess where Nicholas headed? You’ve got it. Straight for the Wegmans’ truck where he pushed all the buttons while looking at it longingly. And what should I notice hanging from said truck? A coupon. $5 off. Perfect! Now, I couldn’t buy it right then and there, with Nicholas’ little paws all over it. Hoping that the coupon would still be there over the weekend, I took Nicholas by the hand and left the store, vowing to come back without him.

Sunday afternoon, I had my first chance to get over to Wegmans, and I brought Benjamin with. Nicholas stayed behind to help Pierre work on our new shed. Before leaving, I had an exhaustive talk with Ben about going Christmas shopping, and how he had to keep whatever we were buying a secret from his brother, lest he give away the surprise. Ben nodded like a bobble-head, promising to keep quiet. And off we went.

Arriving at Wegmans, we found just two trucks left. Incredibly, one of the trucks had a lovely blue coupon hanging from it. I snatched it up. In the car on the way home, Benjamin tried out the truck, pushing all the buttons and pulling all the levers. You know, to make sure it was all in perfect working order for his brother. We made a few other stops, then it was away to home.

Once home, I made Ben promise again that he wouldn’t tell Nicholas that we had bought the truck. He promised, and I snuck the truck into my bedroom, hiding it under a blanket in a corner. No sooner had I covered it up, then Nicholas bounded up the stairs:

“Mommy! Where’s my special toy? What did you get for my special toy?”

Benjamin!!!! I screamed in my head.

“What special toy, Nicholas? I didn’t buy anything.” Ok, so I full-out lied to my child, but asked yourself if you wouldn’t have done the same.

“Ben said you got me a special toy. Where is it?”

“I have no idea what Ben is talking about, kiddo. Sorry. Maybe Santa will bring you a special toy.” I know, I know. Another lie, but my intentions were good.

Nicholas looked at me quizzically. I am a terrible liar.

“Want to go have a snack?” I asked. When in doubt, change the subject and offer food.

“Ok,” Nicholas replied. Works every time.

When I was able to get Benjamin alone, out of earshot of his brother, I gave him the gears.

“But Mommy,” Benjamin said earnestly. “You told me not to tell Nicholas that we got him a Wegmans’ truck, and I didn’t”.

Right. Sometimes I forget how literal kids can be. Next time, I will rephrase my instructions.

We had done some shopping for another family member yesterday as well. Auntie Sabrina, if you are reading this, no talking to Benjamin until Christmas, ok?

Maybe I should get Pierre to take Benjamin Christmas shopping for presents for me?

xo Naomi

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