Truly Needed

Can you guess what I am doing in this picture? Resting? Awaking from a nap? Playing Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Donkey? Well, close, but actually, I’m babysitting. Yes, it’s true. Whenever I am solely responsible for the well-being of children under the age of 5, my body goes into shock and I must lie down. It’s a terrible curse. (And reassuring for the mother of the children I am left with. They are in good hands! I promise!)

I honestly can’t help it. I’ve tried to be active and agile, but calm and comatose always win. So I’ve come to terms with this condition and now I play the game of “How Long Can I Lie on the Couch Before I Am Truly Needed.” And my definition of “Truly Needed” may be a little different than others. For example, Jake also took a picture of Emma without any pants on because she had gotten hers wet. But that didn’t qualify as “Truly Needed.” I just coaxed her over to the couch and helped her remove her damp clothes and let her run around pant-less. I remained on the couch…point for me.

I also have a picture of Brook playing happily in her crib. “Brookie’s awake!” Jake informs me. “Let’s get her out of the crib.”

“Oh, she’s happy so let’s let her play,” I said still lying on the couch. Another point for me.

“Aunt Bon, I need a drink.”

“Is that your cup on the table?”

“Yes.”

“Okay, just get a drink out of it.” Point for me.

I’m really on a roll here. The kids have been up for half an hour and I’m still on the couch. This may be my best game ever! I’m really getting settled into the whole watch-the-kids-from-the-couch thing. In the back of my mind I am hoping Heather doesn’t come home early to find Emma without any pants and Brook still playing in her crib, but that surely won’t happen. And besides, I tell myself, I can jump up and get Brook out of the crib and have pants on Emma in the time it takes Heather to walk in from the car…right?

All these fun little thoughts are going through my mind, when all of a sudden I get the “Truly Needed” call.

“Aunt Bon, Emma’s pooping,” Jakey says from the kitchen and I see Emma standing by the chair, no pants on, and a serious look on her face.

“CRAP!” I shout as I fly off the couch in a land-speed record and dash in the kitchen to grab Emma and run her to the bathroom. I moved so fast I think I pulled a muscle. But, we made it!

And that ended my game.

Until next time…

Have a great day!