I realise the title of this post may not necessarily strike the right Mother's Day tone but then it could be argued that poo has everything to do with being a mother. I still remember the shock of my first encounter with a newborn's nappy and then the first six weeks of what can only be described as truly catastrophic bowel movements.
Happily, I can report that we have moved on from this challenging period in the small people's development. Now I am more innocent bystander than reluctant participant, although I am not out of the woods yet. Now, the focus has shifted to a rigorous and lengthy discussion of exactly what the act entails. There are enquiries about the nature of poos, where they are from, who does them, what an orangutan's poo looks like, (buggered if I know), and let's not forget the poo jokes.
This weekend I have had the good fortune to be ensconced in a car with a bunch of small people in the midst of lengthy poo discussions, the highlight of which was an ingenious twist on the game 'Scissors, Paper, Rock', renamed, 'Toilet, Poo, Wee'.
There was a ten minute period of strident negotiations over whether toilet beats poo or vice versa. You'll be relieved as I was to know that toilet won the day.
So how was your Mother's Day? We had three generations at a long lunch in a biodynamic winery just outside Canberra called Lark Hill watching the yellow leaves falling from the vines with a glass of their excellent shiraz in hand. They've just opened a restuarant using produce from their garden and it's definitely worth a visit.
xx
PS I thought you'd be relieved that the photos were off the subject - just some snaps from the weekend.
In my experience there is only one way to survive: if you can't beat 'em, join 'em!
Posted by: Tania | May 10, 2009 at 11:25 PM
You might like to know the ACT Public Library has some excellent books on poo including classics like "Whose poo?"
Posted by: The Shopping Sherpa | May 11, 2009 at 07:21 AM
My son's 11 and he still thinks the word 'poo' is hilarious. Along with 'fart', apparently. I'm trying to enjoy it while I can, no doubt hormones will kick in some day soon and the delicious innocence will be lost!
Posted by: Stephie @ Narrative Self | May 11, 2009 at 09:47 AM
My 2-year-old is only one of several members of my family with a fascination with poo. The others have far less excuse, although they do make me laugh at times...
Posted by: Cristy | May 11, 2009 at 01:35 PM
The most hilarious punch line to any joke around here at the moment for the 5 year old is "and then I did a poo on his/her head!" (Cue rolling about on floor). Funniest thing ever, apparently.
And I am relieved that toilet beat poo. As it should be.
Posted by: Fiona | May 11, 2009 at 01:54 PM
the eternal entertainment of poo! My friend showed me a book she borrowed from the local library in Sydney for her kids and it was about poo - which animals do what kind of poo - it was beautifully (and amusingly) illustrated but I'm afraid I don't recall the title.
We are visiting the inlaws in Canberra in a few weeks and decided this time to make a nice weekend of it so with much thanks to you, Lark Hill is now on our itinerary!
Posted by: Jacqui | May 11, 2009 at 07:41 PM
Ahh, neverending discussions of poo...
Never having grown up with brothers,
I blame my partner for it all!
Posted by: zofia | May 12, 2009 at 11:21 AM
My two-year-old is still surprised by poo, even though it's been her lifelong companion. Trying to toilet train her involves a running commentary: 'My poo is coming out, Mummy! It's coming out NOW! NOW! NOW!' Pause. 'My poo came out, Mummy.' Thanks, I know.
Love your blog. x
Posted by: Rachael | May 15, 2009 at 09:47 PM