This morning Michael’s Mommy left early for a dentist appointment, leaving me with Michael and two of his sisters snoozing away.
The plan was that one or both sisters would be in charge of Michael in between the time I left for work and his mom got home.
Luckily for his sisters, the little guy defied his normal routine by not arising until just about 8 o’clock, while I was making coffee. Ordinarily, if mom & dad have an opportunity to sleep in, he’s up at 6:00. But since we got up early, he slept in. But of course.
He came bumping down the stairs dragging a couple of blankies as I’m steaming milk for my coffee.
“So, you finally decided to wake up, I see…” I said, cheerily.
“Where’s mommy?” he asked, dismissing my observation entirely.
“She’s at the dentist, and she’ll be home in a little while.”
“Are you going to work?”
“Yes. Are you in a hurry for me to leave?”
He said nothing.
Moments later, as I’m screwing the lid on my travel mug, I hear him locking the baby gate on the stairs (why we still have that thing comes down to the fact that I’m both lazy and forgetful).
“I’m locked in! I can’t get out!” he says. “You have to help me get out,” he orders me.
“No, you can do it. If you got yourself in, you can get yourself out. Just squeeze and pull.” He struggles, and can’t undo the gate.
“I can’t do it!”
“Look, Michael, I’ve got to go to work, and so-”
“Okay, go.”
“No… I was going to say you need to have a sister awake and watching you.”
“Okay: you go, and then I’ll wake sister S up.”
“No, you go get her up now, and then I’ll go.”
“allllll riiiiiiight….” he says begrudgingly, and slumps up the stairs. He opens her door and chimes “Good morning, sister!” I hear a muffled sort of groan emerge from the dark cave that is her bedroom.
Just then the phone rings. It’s my wife, telling me she’s on her way back. I explain the situation at home so she knows what she can expect when she arrives.
Michael calls down: “You can go now!”
“Okay, bye everyone! Be good for your momma!”
“Go!” Michael shouts.
Sheesh. So much for separation anxiety.
I think if he had been able to open the baby gate, he probably would have kicked me in the kiester and dead-bolted the door.
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August 13th, 2009 - 9:22 am
Ahhh, can't you just feel the love? Independence it's a double edged sword, no doubt about it.
August 13th, 2009 - 11:26 am
Haha. So this is what I have to look forward to? Sounds like tons of fun. I wonder what he was hoping to be able to get into with Mommy and Daddy gone and sisters in bed!
August 13th, 2009 - 11:28 am
My daughter's first words to me every morning are requests for either; a snack, spongebob, milk, or vitamins.
When I ask her how she slept she goes.. "Yes.. Vitamins"
August 13th, 2009 - 11:45 am
Now maybe you don't feel so bad about forgetting some of his childhood? Just kidding!!! I think he was a little on the impish side today because he was trying to kick-box his sisters. They took him down, have photo to prove it.
August 13th, 2009 - 9:23 pm
All I could do is laugh when I read this post. I remember the "what, you still here?" days. What am I talking about, I'm still living them! LOL
Michael sounds like my oldest, both being born with a very strong INDEPENDENT gene.
You are going to have so much fun from now on dealing with "Mr. Independent." I know I've had dealing with my Miss Independent.
August 14th, 2009 - 5:47 am
I can't wait to hear the follow-up. Sounds to me like Michael had a plan.
August 14th, 2009 - 6:11 am
@seashore — I get no respect outta this kid.
@Baby News — He's fun most of the time, until he thinks maybe he can operate without daddy hanging around.
@Eric — Yeah, the utter dismissal is just the best. Like "la la la, I'm not listening to you!"
@Wife — I'm really glad you got pictures. And that you survived.
@Surprised — He is VERY independent when it comes to thought and desire, just not when it comes to playing or being served. Then, he demands we cater to him.
@WeaselMomma — Yes, he did. Pictures will be posted soon.
August 14th, 2009 - 2:10 pm
At the end, I felt like this was just part one of the drama.
What did he have in mind behind your back? Please let us know.
He is nothing if not devious on occasion, right?
August 14th, 2009 - 2:14 pm
@Anonymous — oh, he does this every time he thinks he can get his meathooks on his mom's patience without my interference. It was the same as usual: wear her down and get what he wants.
August 14th, 2009 - 3:11 pm
Michael is a character. I can only imagine the verve with which he told you to leave. I am not looking forward to those days.
August 15th, 2009 - 4:37 am
Sounds like it's time to take the baby gates down. Perhaps time to give him a few chores….
When kids start to show independence, give it to them! Full Blast! That'll teach 'em!
August 17th, 2009 - 7:27 am
I feel your pain. My kids jump up and down when babysitters come over and get all grumpy when I come home!
August 17th, 2009 - 11:16 am
So this is what I have to look forward to huh?
August 17th, 2009 - 12:45 pm
@Otter — It's the same verve he uses to order us to bring him juice or pick up his toy. I just don't see where he ever figured that was a good way to avoid dismemberment.
@Bad Momma — chores… well, if I need baking powder spread around or goldfish crackers crunched up on the floor, he's the man for the job.
@Momo — maybe the baby sitters know where you stash the chocolate?
@DC — yeah, pretty much. Yeah.