Being mumma to Bella and Beary as puppies, no is a word that came out of my mouth more times than I care to remember!

Being mumma to a bubba who has just started toddling around and being super curious about EVERYTHING, no has re-entered my vocabulary – fast and furious. The trouble is, trying not to sound fast or furious.

No bubba, you can’t be outside without me attempting to crawl down the stairs (with nothing to break your fall but the pavers below).

No bubba, I can’t leave the door to the back deck open (see reason above).

No bubba, you can’t crawl into the dishwasher. Just because.

No bubba, you can’t throw yourself backwards from standing position on the couch. I know it’s fun when you land on the cushions, but if you’re facing the other way you will land on your head on the floorboards. And that will hurt.

No bubba, you can’t play with the things on the higher shelf in the pantry. Just the bottom shelf where all of the containers are. I understand you are a frustrated chef and the higher shelves seem more fun. I’m looking forward to us cooking together, but not just yet.

No bubba, you can not fling your breakfast/lunch/dinner across the room. Yes, you have a very good throwing arm, but I’d rather not be digging rice/veges/quinoa/yoghurt out of the furniture/dog’s fur (or ears).

No bubba, you can not touch that wall plug-in. It’s to keep the mosquitos away from you while you’re sleeping.

No Beary, you didn’t do anything wrong. [This time!]

No bubba, I’m not saying no all the time because I don’t love you. I’m saying no all the time because I do love you. And I’m sorry if sometimes I say it too fast or too furious. I’m too scared if I don’t get it out right then and there and you don’t hear me that you’ll hurt yourself.

And that’s something I do not want.

Oh no.