The 4 Stages of Ghostses

We've talked before about Olin being afraid of bizarre things -- pigeons (from across the playground), park horses (months after we saw one), and the "scary robot man" (storm trooper on Halloween). Firemen. Another example is ghosts. He thinks they are everywhere. But we are very proud of him, since he finally reached what I'll call the 4th Stage of Ghostses. Here are the stages:

Stage 1: Fear of things resembling ghostses
Max figured out that by making a "oooooooooh" sound, and that alone, he can terrify Olin. Since it is so easy, he does it constantly, sometimes, for variety saying "Boo" instead. Not an exaggerated or scary "Boo," but a simple casual-tone "Boo." And Olin screams.

Stage 2: Second-order fear of ghostses
Max subsequently figures out that by drawing a squiggly line on his Magna-doodle, in the shape of a ghost, and holding it up to Olin, Olin will scream. "Mommy, Ghostses! Ghostses! Ghostses!" Screaming continues.

Stage 3: Third-order fear of ghostses
Olin is getting better at drawing. He can close shapes himself, somewhat representational. He realizes he can draw a ghost. He concentrates, draws a ghosts, holds it up and stares at it. And screams. "Ghost! Ghostses! Mommy!"

Stage 4: Becoming a ghostses
This video says it all. Max and Olin, being ghosts together. Max can't scare Olin, Olin follows him down the hall saying a hilariously understated "Boo."

He is cured.