BA's Corner: Ghost Dad and the Single Mom

Leah is absolutely enamored with Mommy these days. I don’t even exist. It doesn’t bother me too much…I think it’s great that AA is getting so much affection from her. It’s just funny how obvious it is.

When we were at the Reagan Museum 2 weeks ago, we all sat down for a nice, casual lunch. Leah was in her stroller between us, and she stared at AA the whole time. When AA got up to use the restroom, Leah followed her with her eyes until she couldn’t see her anymore. I warned Leah before AA left that she’d be “all alone” while Mommy was in the bathroom. When she couldn’t see AA anymore, she stared at the family in the next booth. None of that family turned to look at Leah, but she was content to stare at them for several minutes until Mommy made it back (and she was no longer alone).

When I picked her up from daycare this week, Leah seemed confused. All of a sudden, she had been lifted in the air, put in her car seat, and driven home. Mommy was nowhere to be found, so there was no logical explanation for it. Must have been a ghost.

Today, we sat Leah on the bed while AA was doing some things. I walked in and crouched down, about 3 inches right in front of her face. Leah continued to stare at AA. When AA left the room, Leah stared at the door until she returned. At one point, AA got behind me so Leah couldn’t see her. Leah looked all over the room, scanning it with her eyes in search of Mommy. When AA popped her head up, Leah whipped her head around, completely skipped my face, and looked straight at AA. Over and over again.

She also likes to pull her head forward when she’s in her car seat lately. Many times she’s looking for a good shoulder strap to munch on. Maybe she's looking for her single mom. But mostly I think she's just curious and doesn't want to miss anything going by. She’s actually been falling asleep in that position - her body is tilted back, but she tilts her head forward. And it takes a little muscle to get her head back against the back of the seat. I have no idea why she’s decided that’s more comfortable than just resting her head back.