We decided to let Tyler chew a piece of gum on the mutually agreed upon condition that he would not swallow it. We have tried this before and this time I documented the experience. I have identified four distinct phases of Tyler’s gum chewing.

Phase 1 – delighted surprise

Tyler reacts to the news that he's allowed to chew a piece of gum

Phase 2 – initial chomp

Tyler works the jaw muscles. That first bite is always the toughest

Phase 3 – false confidence

Tyler tries to remember the thing that he wasn't supposed to do

Phase 4 – despair and melancholy

Tyler swallowed his gum and reacts to not being able to have another piece

Four phases without fail.