Heard around the house of late:

Z: I want Caillou! I’m not supposed to say “I want”, Mommy. 

Me: That’s right. What do you say instead?

Z: May I have Caillou, Mommy? I want Caillou. May I have Caillou? Caillou, please. If I eat my WHOOOOLE dinner, I will get Caillou. May I have Caillou please, Mommy? Mommy? Mommy. Mommy. Caillou please, Mommy!

And this is how my exercise in patience continues its long, winding course.