When Max wanted a new mommy

It was all my fault. As I tucked Max in and we exchanged good-night kisses, I said, jokingly, "Who's your favorite mommy?"

Max pointed to me. "New!" he said. 

Me, mystified: "You want a new mommy?"

Max: "YEAH!"

Me, dubiously: "Is that a joke?"

Max: "YEAH!"

Me, laughing: "That's not funny!"

Max: "New mommy! Ha ha ha ha ha!"

And so it began. We went back and forth a few times. 

"Do you get a new mommy at Target?" I asked.

"No!" said Max.

"Do you get a new mommy at Toys R Us?" I asked.

"No!" said Max, giggling.

"Do you get a new mommy at Stop 'n Shop?" I asked.

"NO!" said Max.

"Does this mean I have to get a new Max?" I asked.

"No! New mommy!" said Max.

After I turned out the lights and left his room, he kept saying "New mommy!" and I'd say "Not funny!" and he'd crack up. This went on for about 15 minutes.

I thought he'd finally nodded off. As I walked past his room to go downstairs, Max groggily raised his head from his pillow and said, softly, "New mommy!" 

I wasn't concerned. I mean, I am his main supplier of Cars 2 merchandise so I doubt he'd want to replace me. Besides, I liked seeing this side of his sense of humor.

The next day, Dave and Max were out running an errand and Dave called from the car, on  speakerphone. "Honey, Max wants to tell you something," Dave said. And in the background I heard, "New mommy!"

By that time, I was resigned to my fate. "So, do you want a new mommy soon?" I asked Max when he came home.

He looked at me and gave me a big kiss. "No new!" he said.

Phew.

"Old mommy!" 

And so now, I am old mommy.

Sigh.