Never Grow Up (Actually Please Do!!!)

"I don't want to grow up!" Andie screamed. A tear escaped her eye and a little hand went to wipe it away. She lowered her head, looking pitiful.

Travis's frustration immediately melted away, and he felt bad for letting it get to him enough to raise his voice. He could see the meltdown brewing on her face, her cheeks red, but he knew she wouldn't let herself fully cry; something she'd picked up from her mom. He let out a big sigh and got down to his daughter's level, pulling her close in his arms. "I'm sorry." Travis said to her quietly.

She didn't look at him, just kept her head down. "Are you mad at me?" She asked in that way only little kids can, that makes you feel like the most horrible parent in the history of ever.

Travis closed his eyes a minute and silently cursed to himself, a pinprick of shame rising in him. He knew he was definitely angry with himself in that moment. "No. I'm not mad." He squeezed his daughter into him, and then asked, "Why didn't you go to the bathroom when you had to go, instead of going in your pants? Don't you want to be a big girl and use the toilet like everybody else?"

Andie shrugged slowly, not really wanting to answer the question. "I just want to stay like this. I don't want to grow up," she mumbled, finally, slumping against her dad like her legs gave out by saying this.

"But, Andie, you're three years old. You don't want to be wearing diapers all the time, do you?" Travis felt as the little girl shook her head against his body, and heard her sniffle a bit. He hugged her tighter, not wanting the waterworks to start. He brought her to stand in front of him, without letting her go completely. "This is the last time I'm going to change your clothes when you have an accident, okay? You have to learn some time..." Travis said sternly, then, seeing the shamed look on her face, added, "Or else!"

The little girl looked up at him with wide eyes, thinking her father was going to get angry. But when she was met with a sly smile, a small grin of her own grew on her face. She giggled, sensing her daddy wasn't serious. "Or else what?" She played along. Now the smile was so big, all her little white teeth were showing.

"You know..." Travis hedged, unable to keep his composure for long. Andie shook her head, still grinning profusely. "Or else the tickle monster is going to get you!" He finished, grabbing her around the middle and tickling her fiercely. She was squealing and laughing as his fingers relentlessly wormed around on her stomach, making her double over in a weak attempt to get away from the onslaught.

Travis finally thought the little girl had enough when she was lying on the floor, curled up and out of breath. He picked her up and went to put her in her bed. "Okay, nap time, girlie. Don't want you all tired and grumpy later," he said as he tucked her in and put her favorite stuffed animal next to her.

"But daddy..." she yawned heavily, "I'm not sleepy." Her eyes were already starting to droop, but she was fighting it hard.

Travis gave her a look like he didn't know why she bothered. "Look, don't argue. Just close your eyes, would you? We'll be out here if you need us." He kissed her, then left the room, closing the door slightly behind him. He walked into the living room and crashed down onto the couch next to Taylor, groaning and burying his face into her neck.

Taylor didn't even take her eyes away from what she was watching, raising a hand to rub his back gently. "You know you shouldn't yell," she said matter-of-factly, trying to hide her smirk.

"I know," He mumbled. "But she wet herself again! What are we supposed to do. Now we need to do laundry...again!" Travis put two fingers to the bridge of his nose and let out a breath, feeling the frustration rising. "I mean, who knew getting your kid to shit in the toilet would be so fucking hard?"