By Kelly
I set my squirming, squealing 17-month-old daughter into the bathtub last night, then ducked around the corner to grab a towel and washcloth out of the cabinet.
Her rage was immediate and deafening.
I apparently didn’t have permission to leave her side – to split atoms, as it were. In her mind, we are one right now. Mama-Teyla or Teyla-Mama. Always together, never apart.
Until we are. And then the world tips off its axis and threatens to implode under the weight of her mingled sorrow and wrath.
I don’t remember separation anxiety at this age with my older two children. (Of course, most days I feel grateful to remember my name, so maybe it’s just that my brain is melting like a snow cone in August.) They had their moment of tears in the nursery and their times of pouting when my husband and I would go on a date.
But this sweet little baby – she isn’t just sad when I walk out of the room. She’s furious that I would have the audacity to leave her behind. Even leaving the room ahead of her, especially if I need to walk around the corner out of sight, is grounds for a tantrum.
Lucky for her – and for those who’s eardrums are within range – I don’t leave her that often. And at this age, it’s easy to round the corner, pick her up and set everything right again. It only takes a tight hug, a couple of tickles and a reassurance that “Mama is still here.”
I only wish it could always be that easy.
Kelly-Teyla also blogs at Love Well.
Mama-Teyla, until this "bonding" time passes, may her naps be long and your patience great. And may you find a little delight in being the sum of her universe for these fleeting months. And, did I mention, may the naps be long? :-)
ReplyDeleteSo does that ever feel, um, constricting, or dare I say, suffocating? I've found that part of motherhood to be both endearing and exhausting.
ReplyDeleteit happens with my 5 month old at times and I hope he'll be fine when next week i start work again
ReplyDelete[...] Inseparable [...]
ReplyDeleteI sooo feel your pain. Li'l Empress didn't take to me at first when they handed her to me on our long-awaited Gotcha Day, but she sure can't take it being away from me AT ALL now. I'm trying to revel in it, give myself little breaks when I really need them, and accept it as part of her development and attachment into our Gang. But I feel your pain!
ReplyDeleteMay long naps rein at your house :)
Dear TeyMa,
ReplyDeleteAsher is SOOOO like this. The poor little guy just can't get enough of the H to the EO.
He IS starting to grow out of it though. And I find myself somewhat offended... :)