A couple of conversations involving the elder Mini-Manhattan.

1) The Mini-Manhattan has been very interested in the subject of death since my grandfather passed away over the summer. We've mostly convinced her - for now - that death usually occurs when people are old and sick.

Not long after my 30th birthday, she asked about death again and we reiterated the point about death and age. She then asked how old I was.

When told the answer, she said:

"Wow, that's really old! You're going to die soon!"

2) We attended the Mini-Manhattan's nursery class' Chanuka party. Mrs. Manhattan lingered a bit but eventually told the budding Maccabee that she would have to leave, and pointed out that all the other mommies were leaving too. Mini-Manhattan asked: "Why do the mommies have to leave?"

Trying to be politically correct to all, Mrs. Manhattan responded: "Well, some mommies have to go to work. Other mommies have to go home to help take care of other children."

At which point, the conversation was joined by one of the Mini-Manhattan's friends:

"Not my mommy! She goes shopping!"