Every little thing with Sam was a battle of some sort, getting into the tub, picking pj's and going to bed. Sam faught against the world with his words and his little fists. The problem was as a 2 year old you rarely won which only made Sam try harder.

It wasn't long after Thanksgiving that Abby was out alone with Sam trying to buy a new winter coat. The two were standing in small children's shop surrounded by coats of different sizes and colours.

"Here Sam, try this one on" Abby handed up a blue coat. "Do you like the colour?" she asked knowing it was his favourite.

"Yep. But it doesn't fit" he said holding his arms out to the side to show how far down his hands the coat went.

"What if we do this?" Abby explained as she pulled the sleeves up and tightened the velcro straps around his wrists and did up the zipper.

"It is still too big. The number on it says 4 and I'm not 4. So it's too big." Sam insists.

"I know it is a bit big sweetheart but you're going to grow over the winter and I want it to still fit when it is snowing in February."

"Do you really see how big this is? I am not going to be that big in February" Sam's voice building to an unpleasant tone and volume.

"Sam. The coat fits you well enough for right now and I think that is our best option. The others 'just' fit and won't last all year. And you like blue." She tried whatever she could to get him to acknowledge this as a good choice. She knew that if he didn't getting him into in the morning on his way to playschool would not be easy.

Another mother shopping had been watching the conversation and smiled a knowing smile at Abby. When she returned the gesture the woman came over and said "How old is your son?"

"I'm two" Sam says standing a little taller.

The woman didn't even try to hide her look of surprise when Abby nodded in agreement. "Really?"

"Really" Abby answered.

"Boy, he's articulate for a two year old." And then in a quieter tone so that only Abby could hear she said "You're in trouble aren't you?"

With a small laugh and a huge smile Abby replied "Don't I know it!" Both mothers exchanged final glances as Abby took the coat from Sam and walked towards the counter to pay. Following close behind he continued his diatribe of how she was making a big mistake that he was never going to be THAT big.