We’ve been making Aidan laugh for a very long time. Its never been very hard. All my tired material is brand new to him and he’s an easy audience. Mostly though, his brand of comedy has been physical. Funny faces, prat falls, peek-a-boo, dramatic movements, and a good old fashioned chase have been the standbys to make him giggle. What’s eluded him is the magical comedy of the screen. 

For some time he’s had favorite shows. The Wiggles, The Backyardigans, Go Baby, and host of other shows that make daddy’s head hurt have all made him run to the tv and watch intently for at least 30 seconds before continuing on to another home wrecking task. Its only in the last couple of months that he’s been demanding to watch some of the many Disney movies Jaime has been amassing on DVD. Its only in the last few weeks that he’s actually watched for any length of time with any real interest. Now, finally, he finds them funny and I couldn’t be prouder. 

There’s a scene in The Incredibles, I think its chapter 16, where Helen Parr (Elastigirl) is sobbing about losing her husband to seamstress to the supers, Edna. Frustrated with her lack of spirit and emotional breakdown, the tiny Edna jumps up onto a kitchen counter and demands that Helen get a grip of herself and “Confront the problem! Fight!…Win!” At the word win she’s strikes an “X” pose as if in mid jumping jack and adopts a giant, enthusiastic and deviant smile. Cue Aidan’s raucous laughter. 

I thought for sure the moment that would first make me this proud of his sense of humor would be the day he found farts funny but alas that day has not yet come. Instead, I can take pride in his finding something that is socially acceptable as funny and wanting to watch it over and over and over and over and over and…