Dead Inflatables

One of Tucker’s really weird (and annoying) behaviors is to bite anything inflatable.  Whether it’s a balloon, a beach ball, or a supercool inflatable airplane that he won at one of the festivals we’re constantly going to, he ends up popping it with his teeth.  Sometimes, this happens fairly quickly (like if we’re at a friend’s house and he embarrasses both of us by biting a beloved Hello Kitty balloon that does not belong to him – sorry O).  Other times, he’ll enjoy the air-filled bauble for a few weeks.  But ultimately, it’s dead and I have to sneak the remains to the official final resting place transportation container (the recycling bin).   I’ve tried to figure out why he likes popping blown-up plastic so much, and honestly have no idea whether it’s the feel of the plastic on his teeth, the satisfying “POP!” or maybe the power of immediate transformation.  Big to small in a moment.  In the meantime, do I continue to give him the free balloons at the grocery store?  Yup.  Does the inevitable pop continue to startle me?  Yup.  But sometimes, seeing the bliss on Tucker’s face, if only for a few minutes, is worth it.  As is hearing him say “Uh-oh! Broke!” with a pouty lip.  Someday, I’m going to miss this.

Pouty Face