Inseparable

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.

8 Responses to Inseparable
  1. Jo
    June 24, 2009 | 5:31 pm

    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? 🙂

  2. Hannah
    June 24, 2009 | 8:04 pm

    So does that ever feel, um, constricting, or dare I say, suffocating? I’ve found that part of motherhood to be both endearing and exhausting.

  3. melissa
    June 25, 2009 | 2:11 am

    it happens with my 5 month old at times and I hope he’ll be fine when next week i start work again

  4. […] Inseparable […]

  5. The Gang's Momma
    June 25, 2009 | 8:23 pm

    I 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!

    May long naps rein at your house 🙂

  6. Heather of the EO
    June 25, 2009 | 8:36 pm

    Dear TeyMa,

    Asher 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… 🙂

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