Going to bed tonight, Julianna (she’s now 9) says: Daddy, remember when I was a baby and I slept with you and Mommy?

Me: Yes, Sweety. It was (mostly) wonderful.

J: Then, when Isabella (she’s now 6) was born, you slept with both of us?

Me: Yeah, is was a tight fit having four of us in one bed. But it was also wonderful. (Again, mostly.)

J: Then we moved to a bigger house, and I slept in a bed by myself. But, Isabella usually still slept with you.

Me: Where are we going with this?

J: Well, I sleep alone right now. You or Mommy sometimes snuggle with me, but I usually go to sleep by myself.

Me: Great for you, Sweety! You’re Learning Independence! But, yeah, Iz sometimes still sleeps with me and mommy. She’s 6…

J: But… Who do I to sleep with next?

Oh, dear God. Really? How does this discussion even begin? Remember: She’s NINE?

Me: Nobody. Never… We’ll talk. Goodnight. Maybe when you’re a grownup. But, you’re going to a Nunnery. Or, when you meet the right guy, you’ll know. But, you’ll probably regret it. When you get married. Or, you’ve made a bad decision along the way. Perhaps after the prom, but that’s a bit of a cliché. And, you don’t do clichés. Put a ring on it. No Twerking! NO TWERKING!

J: Daddy, what are you talking about?

Me: Oh… Crap… Was I using my out-loud voice or my in-the-head voice. I sometimes can’t tell.

J: I’m not sure. Outside, I think… I mean, I heard it… But, I just wanted the Giant Panda on Isabella’s bed tonight.

Me: Oh… the panda.