platypus

The older Kenny gets, the more we have to watch not just we do in front of him, but what we say. His vocabulary is expanding by leaps and bounds, so neither of us wants to be responsible for the first profanity (or profanity-esque comment) to emanate from Mr. K.

As all married couples do, Overboard and I can get a little snippy with each other from time to time, especially when in the middle of a raging debate about who may or may not have left the toothpaste uncapped and on the counter for the 321st night in a row (the offending party's name possibly rhymes with "Shmoverboard").

To avoid bickering in front of Kenny, or even speaking in any sort of unpleasant tone, we have devised a code word: Platypus.

When things start to get heated, one of us clearly says, "Platypus" to the other and the conversation ends (to be potentially continued later when Kenny isn't around). It's a pretty effective technique, and only mildly abused.

I just can't wait for the day when we start going at it and Kenny looks up and says, very firmly, "Daddy, PLATYPUS." I will be full of both pride and shame. Then I'll seek out a new code word.