Why? Why? Why?

Samuel is currently in one of his longest stages....the "why?" stage. It started a few months back with some initial why questions but has ramped up with intensity over the past month. I kept thinking it would end but at this point it looks like we are in it for the long haul. Unfortuanately, when I ask my mom how long I was in the why stage she said 13 years! Hum...I could look on the bright side and say, "this is great, we have such an inquisitive kid." But, generally after the 10th why question in a row, I just find myself annoyed and wonder if there are long term consequences to ignoring my child.