So, the other day, I gave it a try. Elliott let out an angry shriek and I popped my finger in his mouth. His face puckered and he looked at me curiously. Sure enough he stopped screaming, but now he was making his hand clapping sign for 'more'. He wanted another taste. He then proceeded to follow me in the kitchen, clapping intently while looking at the vinegar bottle and, when I wouldn't give him more, started to throw another tantrum. Perfect. Although I guess I shouldn't have been surprised coming from the one-year-old who likes pickles and lemons.

Then, this morning, Elliott found a scotch tape dispenser. By no means was it the most dangerous object he has deemed to be a new toy. But, with its cerated edge, I figured it'd be best to snatch it. I used my brilliant tactic of distracting him with a different toy that, in my mind, was of equal or greater value. I handed him a rattle and snatched the tape. No dice. A mini-tantrum ensued and I countered by putting on my stern face and giving an authoritative "No screaming!" He fussed for a few more seconds before composing himself and then I believe I literally saw a light bulb appear above his head briefly.

He reached down, grabbed the rattle he was disinterested in, looked up at me with an innocent smile and handed it to me while clapping for the tape dispenser I had placed on a shelf. He was offering the same trade to me that I had just tried to broker with him. Nice try chief, but in exchange for a mildly dangerous toy, my minimum price is bringing me a beer.