Don’t Kick Me Away

Usually I only bring my girl to my in-laws on Mondays when I have to work, and occasionally on other days when I have to run some errands. Today, I have planned to go for my long-awaited facial. It has been quite sometime since my last facial, and I was quite looking forward to a good massage and some quiet time to myself. Well, as the saying goes, man proposes, heaven disposes. My wish was not granted by my little girl.

This morning, I was talking to hubby about sending her to my in-laws. Sarah just woke up and she heard our conversation. Then she started saying she wants to go office and work. Huh???? I felt it was unusual but I did not pay much attention. I brought her to the playground, and did some sticker book activity. When it was time to change and go, I told her I am bringing her to Popo’s house. She started crying and said NO. Well, I tried to make it attractive for me to go, saying that her cousins are there, she can watch telly, Yeye will bring her downstairs to see birds, etc etc. Usually, these would have been enough to make her want to go Popo’s house, but not today. She kept crying and pleading with me, saying “I want to stay in Sarah’s house”, “I miss Mommy”. She cried very pitifully through out. I called my hubby and told him,about this and he told my to cancel my facial instead of forcing her. Sigh…there goes my long-awaited relaxing massage.

So I told Sarah we are not going anymore, and did some craft project with her, and she was back to her old cheerful self. And what about me? I was still brooding over it, so after lunch, I asked her the question again, “Mama bring you to Popo’s house ok?” What she said next really really surprised me.

Sarah: No, I don’t want. Don’t kick me away. I want Mommy. I miss Mommy. (I couldn’t believe my ears when she said that, I even made her repeat again.)
Sarah: Friday I don’t want to go Popo’s house.
Me: Oooohh…..but Monday can go?
Sarah: Yes, Monday can go.

I am amazed by this daughter of mine. She actually knows that she must go Popo’s house on Monday, but not necessarily on other days. Another thing which struck me is I have neglected to see from her point of view that my insistence in sending her to Popo’s house means that I am trying to “kick” her away. No wonder, she keeps repeating she loves mommy, she miss mommy. Oh dear, I am so sorry darling, that mommy has been so insensitive to your feelings.

But I have to say this little girl has been very sticky for the past month. Every Sunday, she will make a fuss at Sunday School, and insists I stay with her, when in the past, she will happily run into the class without taking a 2nd look at me. When eating out with friends, I can’t even leave her with them for 5 minutes to go buy food, when this will definitely not be a problem in the past. There are no major changes in our family, and no, I am not pregnant (as Jean told me some old wives’ tales say so). I do hope this is just a passing phase, and hope it will pass soon.