Everybody's a critic

Today was frustrating because Will has a cold and is cutting 7 teeth. That means he has lots of drainage and coughs a lot. He was constantly hungry but wouldn't eat much when things were offered to him. He really only wanted marshmallows. By 5:00 p.m., I was seriously tempted to relent and present him with the whole bag of stale jumbo marshmallows. As a result of his condition, he followed me around, whining and crying, holding on to my legs so I couldn't move and wiping his snotty nose on my knees. *sigh* I was so happy when he fell asleep easily.
Carter, by stark contrast, was so good today. He was obliging and low key. He has been struggling at big family parties. When we went to his grandparents Christmas family get-together, he immediately said he needed to be alone. He found a quiet place and stayed there for quite some time. It was good to see him back to his sweet self today. But while at the family get-together, he saw his oldest cousin Grayson (age 7) in the dress-up wedding gown and was transfixed by her beauty. Now, Grayson is already his hero. I'm not sure he's aware he has 3 other cousins most of the time. So, he promptly announced that he was marrying Grayson and proceeded to walk with her holding hands. Sure, it was a little embarrassing, but I was happy it was Grayson who said their cousin Clara Cate could be their first baby. I'm not sure Clara Cate was thrilled with that appointment. His cousin Baker tried to take Grayson's other hand and claim to marry her too, but Carter deftly fended him off and retained the bride for himself.
Well, and that brings us to tonight. He'd been helpful and loving all day. His little brother was asleep and we'd just brushed his teeth. I was lying on the bed and he comes over and hugs my legs, then announces, "When you change those pants, I'll hug you some more." I thought maybe they smelled like lime from one I had squeezed earlier. He doesn't like that smell. I asked why he didn't like my pants. That's when he explained, "I don't like them. They don't look good." I was stunned. I just sat there for a second. But, as usual, curiosity prevailed and I followed him to the kitchen and asked "What's wrong with my pants?" "Well, I don't like the squares and the blue." (they're a small blue plaid) "Really?"
"You're shirt is okay. I like that." (It's a gray sweatshirt) "Uhm. Okay. I can't believe you don't like the pants." "Sorry."
"I like these pants." "Well, I guess they're okay. I like blue. I guess squares are okay. I mean, they have four sides and I'm 4." I told him "No, no. You don't have to like them. It's okay." I don't think my clothing is supposed to be unacceptable to my child until he's at least 12.