SETTING: me and Brenden in the boys’ bathroom at toothbrushing time:

Me: Do you want big boy toothpaste (with fluoride) or little boy toothpaste (without)?
Brenden: Little boy toothpaste. But I want to hold the big boy toothpaste.

[Brenden stands on a stool by the sink and brushes his teeth for a bit before handing the toothbrush to me.]

Me: OK, Brenden, my turn. Turn around, please. Show me how clean your teeth are.

[Brenden turns around. I crouch to his level. He immediately throws his arms open and gives me a big hug.]

Brenden: Daddy!
Me: Thank you for the nice hug. Now, let’s brush your teeth.

[Brushing, then an unfortunate kick]

Me: Brenden, please don’t kick me there.
Brenden: OK. (muffled)

[More brushing. Brenden rubs my head]

Brenden: Daddy, I like your fuzzy hair.
Me: Thank you.

[Brenden opens the cap on the big boy toothpaste and sniffs and snorts.]

Brenden: Mmm…it smells good.
Me: Do you want to add some?
Brenden: No, not yet. Later.
Me: (sigh)

[Brushing]

Me: OK, all done. Good job.

[Brenden runs out the door, makes a hard right toward his room. I rinse the brush and wait for the loud sound of him colliding with his doorframe after missing the turn, but apparently he has learned his lesson from last time. I replace the toothbrush.]

Being a dad can be really fun.