I’ve gotten used to Jamie being present, but not fully aware of his surroundings. A couple of weeks ago, that officially ended.

As I gathered up his bag to bring him to my parents’ house for the day, I asked if he was ready, only I slid a nickname in.

“Are you ready buck-o?”

I wasn’t ready for what came in return.

“Buuuuck-o.”

Now he can say duck as well. We’ll be starting a pool for what word comes next.

I’ve fallen into the pattern of doing things like watching Sons of Anarchy with him in the room, or not paying attention to which songs have swear words that I listen to in the car while he rides with me.

I’ll also admit to not being the best personal influence with this particular matter. It took a kid to realize how swear words just make any story better, and why it’s important to accept no substitutes. Shucks, jeepers, and son of a biscuit simply do not have the same literary effect.

Kids really do have brains like a sponge. My prediction for later in life will be that Jamie begins to associate certain swear words with watching his dad complete home improvement projects.  It’s at that point I’m sure he’ll pick up a whole new vocabulary. Let’s just hope he learns the words he’s supposed to learn first.