Eleanor is constantly asking “What is your favorite…” whatever. “What’s your favorite character from Wings of Fire?” “What’s your favorite color?” “What’s your favorite book?” “What’s your favorite food?” It never ends. She asks for the same favorites over and over – she’s probably asked me my favorite color a couple hundred times. I think it’s partly because she loves trivia and knowing things, and partly just her way of making conversation.

She used to only ask one layer of favorites, but in the past couple of years, she follows-up with a “What’s your second favorite…” Not having a favorite is not allowed! Sometimes you are allowed to not have a second favorite, however.

Yesterday on the walk home, Eleanor had been talking to Henry about something, but then turned to me and said, “Mom, what’s your favorite movie?” I said, “Clue.” She immediately followed with, “What’s your second favorite movie?” Now, I had been thinking about work, wasn’t thinking about movies at all, and I don’t really think I have a second favorite movie. So I said, “I don’t know, I don’t think I have one.” Without missing a beat, Eleanor said, “So would you say you don’t have a Clue?” She and I laughed, and Henry told us he didn’t like it because he prefers jokes that are good. But I assure you, it was my favorite.