I don't know if Mila somehow KNOWS where I was last week or what, but for the first time in her short life, she was not amused that I was out of town. Normally she sort of cares, but mostly she's like WOOOOHOOOO! I CAN GET AWAY WITH STUFF!
I'm not saying the rules are more strictly enforced when I'm around, but they totally are.
This time, though, Mila didn't see the upside. No amount of television or treats or sleeping in seemed to appease her. In fact, she flat-out had a meltdown at gymnastics because she wanted her mommy. Which, HI! THANKS FOR NEEDING ME! The other kid most certainly does not. I'm not even sure if the other one noticed I wasn't home.
Mila basically spent the week making everyone feel inadequate. But, no worries, she saved some of it for me. The second she realized I was home (I got home at 2:00 am, so she missed out on a few hours), she was like white on rice. That kid clung to me so hard the entire weekend that I almost thought she was Toddler Alexis. I half-expected a Toddler Helmet at night, even.
Everywhere I went, there was Mila.
The bathroom.
The kitchen.
She sat on the floor in the bathroom when I took a shower. She stared, unblinking the whole time.
She followed me outside.
She followed me inside.
She was my little shadow.
All the while, she complained and whined and generally made sure I felt like a giant jerk for being a responsible adult with a real job for a few days. All that, even after I made sure to come back with a few things from the magical land of Mickey for her.
Happy Mother's Day to you, too, Mila. Thanks for making me feel so spiffy!