Aye scatch bebes

Eli has a new mantra, and it is not a positive one.

It all started a few weeks ago when the gym daycare lady brought Eli up to my class.

"Eli is going to have to leave daycare for the day," she said.

"Aw, Eli, are you poopy?" (the usual cause of a daycare disturbance).

"No, Eli scratched a baby pretty bad so he needs to take a break for a little while."

I looked down at my happy, smiling child.

"Aye scatch bebe mommy!"

We had a serious chat (not for the first time) about not scratching after this episode.  And now, whenever the thought pops into his head he runs through his mantra:

Aye scatch bebes mommy?
No.  That's a big no-no.  We don't scratch babies.
Aye scatch Den?
No.  We don't scratch Gwen.
Aye scatch Mommy?
Definitely not.  We never scratch Mommy.
Aye scatch Daddy?
No.  We don't scratch ANYONE Eli.

 In the heat of the moment Eli doesn't always remember how big of a no-no scratching is, as evidenced by the large red scratch going down Gwen's face.  It's been almost a month and you can still see the scar.

 Luckily Gwen (and her parents) are quick to forgive and they remain the best of frenemies.