I talkin' a YOU!

I was hanging out with Benny in the backyard a few evenings ago, when he started a game of his version of Follow the Leader/Simon Says, in which he initiates an action and looks at you to imitate it.  His repertoire includes such things as standing, sitting, jumping, leg slapping, whacking himself on the top of the head, banging on any object nearby, running, shouting, fake sneezing/coughing, etc.  It's amusing the way he initiates this game... it is usually a silent initiation.  It involves performing an action and then a hesitation while he gives you this certain Benny "wanna play?" look.  He just silently draws you into his game. 

We played for several minutes when I decided to end my participation and relax in my lawn chair.  Benny was not ready to stop.  He stood up and waited for me to stand.  When I did not, he sat back down and stood up again, waiting for me to follow.  I told him, "Daddy's resting."  He sat back down and stood up, looking at me to follow, and added, "get up!"  Again, I reminded him that I was resting. 

After a few more repeated attempts to get me to stand and continue the game, he changed his tactic.  He stood up and moved over close to my chair, putting one of his little hands on each of my cheeks.  He then turned my face toward his and moved his face as close to mine as he could manage and said, very authoritatively, "I talkin' a YOU!"

I stood up and played a little while longer.