Why, Cody? Why?

As I was making biscuits the other day Cody points to the biscuits and asks: “why are these white?”
me: Because that’s the color of the flour they are made with
Cody: flowers? that’s made of flowers?? flowers are usually red mom, only some are white
me: not that kind of flower, the flour you cook with
Cody: why do you cook with flowers?
me: not that kind of flowers cody… it’s a different kind, it looks like powder, it’s white and it’s called flour
Cody: why do you cook with it?
Me: (about to tear hair out): just because!

Cody accepted “just because” then moved on to the next thing. Once I put the biscuits in the oven, I started making a pitcher of Crystal Light.

Cody: why don’t you put sugar in it?
me: because it doesn’t need sugar in it.. it comes with a little bit already in it
Cody: but that’s not enough sugar… it will be gross!
Me: well it’s not real sugar, it’s super strong fake sugar because mommy can’t have real sugar
Cody: why can’t you have sugar?”
me: I tried to explain that I have a sickness that makes it so I can’t have sugar..
Cody: how do you know which food has sugar in it?
me: I just know
Cody: How do you know?
me: because I’ve gone to school and read books so I am really smart that way!

Finally.. the questions end for five minutes while he ponders if I’m really smart or pulling his leg. All week long he’s been asking us why this is this or that is that… so today at bath time our conversation goes like this:

Cody: why does the water have to be hot?
me: it’s not hot, it’s just warm.
Cody: no, it’s hot. Why can’t it just be warm? (it was tepid at best…. I know better, he doesn’t like hot baths).
me: it’s not hot (tests water) see?
Cody: but it’s always hot! Why? Why is it always hot?

I cooled it down some and asked if that was better and he asks. “why does it have to be cold now?”
me: grrrrr

As I’m washing his hair…

Cody: why do you have to wash my hair?
Me: because it gets dirty
Cody: why do you *ALWAYS* wash my ears?
me: because they get dirty, too.
Cody: why do I even have to take baths?
me: because you get dirty and stinky if you don’t
Cody: why do I get dirty and stinky?

As we were getting his coat and backpack on for school today, he wanted to wear his favorite flannel shirt as a coat intead of his jacket. I told him it’s cold and likely to rain so he needs to wear his jacket.

Cody: “why does it have to rain?”

I did not dare to say, “so the flowers would grow”.