out of the question

this is almost verbatim from our ride to ballet class yesterday.  the kids are in the backseat, inches apart.

liam:  susanna?

susanna doesn't answer.

liam: SUSANNA!

susanna doesn't answer.

liam: SSSSUUUUUUUSSSSSAAAAAANNNNNNA!

susanna (turning towards him): i have pretend earphones on and am listening to the music in my head.

i glance in the rearview mirror.  sure enough, there's my daughter, bopping around in her carseat in the silence.  i stifle a giggle.

liam: but i have something to ask you.

susanna: well, i'm busy.

liam:  but it's very important!

seeing no end in sight, i intervene. 

me: susanna, can you just please answer liam's question?  and then you can go back to jamming to your imaginary song.

susanna (sighs): okay, liam.

liam is silent.

me (a tad exasperated): liam, she's listening.  go ahead and ask your question.

liam: i can't remember what it was.