My daughter did something to me yesterday that literally cut me to the bone. I arrived home from work expecting my usual happy “Mommy’s home” running to me bear hug. Instead I got “Mommy can you go back to work so Grandma and I can keep playing?” I know your kids are supposed to break your hearts, but isn’t that reserved for the teen years? To make it worse my Mother just looked at me and shrugged helplessly flashing a thinly disguised smile.

Don’t get me wrong, I want Ashley to have fun with her Grandmother and I do not want her to be sad when I’m at the bank. But to choose the woman who re arranges my living room without asking over me? That’s unforgivable. There’s got to be a catch. My mother must have been dangling a lollipop behind my back or promised her a new toy.

Feeling a little defeated that night I went to turn off Ashley’s light and go to bed. When she asked for an extra hug and kiss I realized that even if she might be testing some independence from me, she’s still my baby. When she finally fell asleep, I searched that room up and down. I know my Mother has bribes hidden all over this house and I will not rest until I’ve unearthed every last one!