Sales pitch, hypnosis, or brainwashing?

Billy Mays, salesman  extraordinaire, was peddling the "Big City Slider Station" on television the other day. Occupied in games when they first heard Billy's introduction, Caleb and Owen immediately stopped in their tracks, turned, stood in front of the television, and watched the entire commercial.

Owen: I like this one.

Caleb: I do too.

Not another word or movement for the commercial's entirety.  Be mesmerized.

They Said It

A few weeks back, I came upon the realization that I don't quiz Owen like I quizzed Caleb when he was Owen's age. For instance, I can recall asking Caleb the location of his arm, his knee, his esophagus, and his hamstring. And erring on any would make me question whether he was progressing as he should for a child his age. Whether it's neglect or the understanding that most people eventually figure out the location of their body parts, Owen has gotten a free pass on many such quizzes. But as a check for understanding I decided to test Owen.

Me: Owen, where's your heart?
Owen: Downstairs.

I should probably start quizzing; I don't think Owen is progressing at the rate that he should for a child his age. Which unfortunately leads to the next point, which occurred as we were driving from Pennsylvania to Wisconsin over the break.

Me: Hey Caleb, what comes after Ohio?
Owen: (stealing Caleb's question) Nine.

Owen's often a good punch line, but the kid is pretty with it. Anyone who has been around kids marvels at what they know. When the words "cup-holder," "wonderful," and "shaving cream" come out of the mouth of a two year-old, it's impressive. So while Owen may not yet have the gifts of biology, math, or geography, he is a wordsmith. Marveling at this fact...

Me: (to Teri) Owen has a really good vocabulary?
Teri: Yeah, he does.
Caleb: (overhearing the conversation) I do too.
Me: Yes Caleb, you have a very good vocabulary.
Pause.
Caleb: Daddy, what's vocabulary mean?

Maybe not that good.