Already in Charge

I was the unfortunately recipient of a horrible stomach virus being passed around at work. After finishing my shift, I came home and literally collapsed onto the couch, too ill to move beyond the living room. Eric took charge and had the kids fed, bathed, and in bed without my lifting a finger. The next morning, I didn't feel much better and was excused from work. Eric still had to go in, however, and I decided not to expose a babysitter to my germs. I figured as long as I could sit on the couch, I'd survive the day. As Eric left, he admonished Amy that it was her job to take very good care of her mommy.

Amy took her job seriously--bringing me water, Michael's diapers and wipes, picking up her toys, and keeping Michael away from me as much as possible. Mercifully, Michael went down for a two hour nap, which gave me a bit of time to sleep as well. I woke up with Amy quietly arranging her toys in the living room. When she saw that I was a awake, she came over and very sweetly said, "Momma, you are sick and I'm supposed to take care of you. Daddy said that I have to take care of you."

"Oh, honey," I crooned. "That's so sweet! You are doing a good job of taking care of mommy."

"But mommy," she continued solemnly. "You also have to OBEY me because I'm taking care of YOU."

Ah yes, she will look for any opportunity to take charge....