The joy of cleaning

No, I'm not being sarcastic, and it's not me who's discovered it, it's Asher! He has decided that "cleaning" is way more fun than playing with toys. He likes to sweep and mop, any cloth becomes a rag for wiping down all surfaces, including any human body parts that are within his reach, and he cleans the tub with his washcloth after he is done bathing. These are all pretty conventional and respectable methods of cleaning.

Then there are the more imaginative ways of cleaning. He also enjoys "cleaning" the floor of any food particle with his fingers and his mouth. He enjoys a fine, aged variety with well-developed notes of dirt the best. The other day he stuck his tiny hand in the dark recesses behind the dishwasher and pulled something out and ate it. (Note, this didn't happen on my watch, that would be on his father's time.) He also likes to "clean" the toilet by sticking his hand in there and swishing the water around. He tests its cleanliness but sucking the water off of his hand. (This has happened mostly on my watch because he is FAST.) He "cleaned" the end table when I spilled diet Coke by sucking on it for the rest of the afternoon *the Coke had been removed, but it must have left an awesome aftertaste*.

Then there is the vacuum obsession. I don't use that word lightly. If the vacuum is being used he will a) stand in front of it and try to grab it, or b) try to "help" me vacuum. If that vacuum is removed he will follow it with a look of concern until it reaches its destination. If the destination is not behind a closed door, he will attempt to turn it on for about two minutes and then cry in frustration. If the destination IS behind a closed door, all hell breaks loose. He will throw himself in the floor and scream, saying "brrm, brrm, brrm", we are talking a full-on tantrum. This will only continue for about a minute, but he doesn't forget about his friend locked in the closet, he returns about once every fifteen minutes, pleading for its release. He will also do this in any store that has a vacuum. Yes, you can imagine the looks in Lowes as Asher is screaming as we walk away from the vacuum heaven they have there. All the while Logan is hissing at me through clenched teeth, "make him stop!"

I just hope the joy of cleaning stays firmly entrenched in his little heart, because it about three years, I will definitely be putting it to good use.