that's how i know

henry has become a little bossy.

i hear that this is normal for two-year-olds....so i guess that makes me feel slightly better about it.

slightly.

he lets you know exactly what he wants, and he usually needs whatever-that-something-is instantaneously.  he stops what he's doing and yells his demand at the top of his lungs.  for example, we'll be playing legos when suddenly i hear: bloooow nooose!  then i must dash off to find a tissue and hold it over his nose immediately or the world will seriously stop turning and fish will learn to fly (or we'll just have snot everywhere).  same goes for pretty much anything else:  color!  pooh bear!  blanket!  

we need something.  we freeze.  we shout.
we indulge him in his demands within reason, because, well, blowing your nose seems like a perfectly reasonable request.  he just has to demand it.

you get the picture.

there is one exception to the rule however.

this particular need is so important, so crucial, that it must be requested with delicacy and refinement.

henry will gently take your face in his chubby little hands, firmly pressing his palms into your cheeks, and pull you down so that you are evenly face to face with him, noses literally touching.  his eyes wide, his eyebrows slightly raised to indicate just how grave his appeal will be, he looks deeply into your own eyes, merely inches from his.  you can feel his hot little breathe as he inhales, preparing for the delivery, like a lovesick man that is willing himself to propose even though he is not confident in the answer.  then, in barely more than a whisper, his voice reflecting the urgency of his heart's desire, he states:

have chocolate.  please. 

and i give him some chocolate.

and that is how i know that this boy is truly my child.