you can't have love, only toys

My birthday was last week. Due to certain circumstances, we weren't able to really celebrate it until a few days later. This was difficult for Jem. Like any young child, he becomes very excited by the idea of a birthday. The day of my birthday he kept reminding me that we needed to celebrate. We needed a cake and presents. It was really sweet. I told him that we would be celebrating on Sunday night with his grandparents. He seemed content with that answer.
Later, however, he again reminded me that we hadn't done anything for my birthday. He told me that I should bake myself a cake with marshmallows because he really likes marshmallows. And then he asked me what I wanted for my birthday. I told him that I wanted a hug and a kiss from him. He gave me both and we then had this conversation:

Jem: But what do you really want mommy? Maybe you want a new game item. (this was referencing his leapster and the game cartridges it uses)
Me: I don't think so buddy.
Jem: Then what do you want?
Me: I just want hugs and kisses.
Jem: (fairly exasperated) Mommy, you can't have love for your birthday. Birthdays aren't for love they are for toys, only toys.

Apparently, the concern over my birthday celebration had nothing to do with me. Instead, it was all about his ill-conceived idea that I would be getting toys for my birthday that he would be able to play with. Needless to say, he was very disappointed.


photo by .shann  http://www.flickr.com/photos/shnnsayangdia/2818525884/