Let it rip!

Reid, who is 20 months old, laughed the other day when he farted. After I joined in on his giggle, not because his fart was funny, but because he was funny for laughing, I realized some fart/laugh combination must be carried in the Y-chromosome. How does he know that farting is funny? We didn't teach him that - not yet at least. He also laughs when he burps. We've taught Parker to say, "excuse me," after he burps or farts - like a gentleman would - so now he laughs, and then says, "excuse me."

Bodily functions and I go way back. I know every woman has fart and burp stories, but the men in my past, I believe, had more vulgar bodily functions than most. In fact, growing up with a step-father and 3 brothers who lead the parade for the, "let it fly" philosophy of releasing bodily gases, set a precedent of "maleness" that no one, thankfully, has been able to match. Bathroom doors were never closed, and toilets were rarely flushed. I had to share a 5x4 foot bathroom with my 3 brothers and wore flip-flops while I showered because the bathroom scared me. When Mark and I moved in together I was shocked at how clean he was! He shut the toilet lid after use and actually used the bathroom door for its intended purpose! I was thrilled and constantly remarked about how clean and neat he was. His reply was, "Steph, you grew up with overly disgusting men, my cleanliness is considered normal." Wow, what a wake up that was! You mean, not all men fart, role up the car windows, lock the doors, and turn on the heater full blast?! Or, you mean, not all men fart, sit on the nearest person’s head, and hold their arms down?! Phew! I had arrived to true adulthood.

So here I am with two boys of my own - two boys who will fart and burp, and then laugh. But this time around, I get to teach them, or mandate rather, that they flush the toilet, use the bathroom door, say, “excuse me,” after they fart or burp, and not torture me for entertainment. I’m pleased I have some control. So the next time one of the boys, “let’s one rip.” I’ll join in on the giggle, not because they’re laughing, but because farting and burping is funny!