So Needy

Andrina was extremely needy today. And of course, it is on the day that Tom left for an out of town trip and I am all alone dealing with a needy baby/toddler. Andrina would not let me leave a room with out her today. Every time I started to go through a baby gate by myself, she started crying, then screaming. And these were the same, little things I do everyday that she is completely accustomed to. She was playing in the family room and I left to go into the utility room to get laundry out of the dryer. And if you know my house, you know that my utility room is about 3 feet from our family room. She cried and screamed like I was leaving her for good! And the entire time I'm talking to her, telling her I'll be right back. But she kept at it until I was back with her. I don't know how many times I had to pick up a tearful baby/toddler today because I had the nerve to leave her presence for a tiny amount of time.

And then there were the toddler temper-tantrums. Once today it was "no remote" and that brought one on. I walk away from Andrina when she throws a baby fit and that almost always makes the tantrum a short one. True to her babyness (is that a real word?), I walk away from her tantrum and she comes to me, arms up, wanting to be held. More needy baby/toddler.

But there is such sweetness in this neediness. My baby wants me badly and how much longer will this last? Not only is she growing up too fast, but soon she'll be ready to be anywhere but with a 'rent. So I try not to get upset and savor the tenderness behind it. When she abandons her temper tantrum to come to me, arms extended, I pick her up and cuddle her close. And she snuggles into me, sucking on her fingers. And she becomes all baby once again. A sweet baby needing her mommy. How can I not love that?