Like a Brother

Madeleine and her friend Joe have been attending preschool together now for 3 1/2 weeks. So for 3 days a week they are together for 6 1/2 hours. Plus they often play together on non-school days. Prior to school starting I thought that Madeleine might have a little crush on Joe (she talked about him ALL the time). But if she did, she doesn't any more--their relationship has evolved (or maybe DEVOLVED) into a brother/sister relationship. And to prove it, they bicker constantly. Here is an excerpt from their conversation during the drive home yesterday.

As we are driving out of the school parking lot, Madeleine sees Taco Bell.

Mad: I love Taco Bell!
Joe: Taco Bell is GROSS. You don't like Taco Bell.
Mad: I do too like Taco Bell!
Joe: No, you don't!
Mad: I do too!
Joe: No, you don't!
Me: Joe, you might not like Taco Bell but Madeleine and I enjoy it.
Joe: No she doesn't.
Mad: Yes I do.

This continues the ENTIRE 10 minute car ride home. I tried to ask questions and change the topic, but the conversation continued as if no one heard me. The only time it stopped for a second was when I tried briefly to interject some reason into the situation:

Me: Madeleine, just ignore him. He is just being obstinate.
Joe: What is obsnak....?
Me: It's when someone won't stop saying no.
Joe: I am NOT. She REALLY doesn't like Taco Bell!

And to top it all off I could imagine Miriam taking mental notes for future reference..."hmm, this is how I get sister really mad!"