How many times?

Every time I looked up from washing dishes, the ribbon that Niranjana was absentmindedly playing with was in her mouth ... or her nose. Having already dealt with one afternoon meltdown, I simply didn't have the energy to be the enforcer on something that wasn't really hurting her. It's just something she knows that she's not supposed to do.

"Niranjana, that doesn't go in your mouth. How many times do I need to tell you?" I asked, in an exasperated mom voice.

"Four," she replied with the hint of a twinkle in her eye.

"And how many times have I told you?" I queried, now mildly amused.

"Three."

This must be where I start apologizing to my mother for all those annoying things I must have done as a child....