Tuesday, February 21, 2006

Shimmy Sprinkles

Shimmy Sprinkles* comes over twice a week to watch Sam while I go to class. She's a cute undergraduate student who answered an ad I posted at the beginning of the semester. I was nervous about hiring a complete stranger, but I'm so lucky to have found her. Sam thinks so too. He adores her. As soon as she rings the bell, Sam meets her at the door flapping his hands and hyperventilating, the way he always does when something really exciting is about to happen. Today when I told him Shimmy was coming over to play he eagerly repeated "Shimmy!" Thinking this could be my big opportunity, I tried to get him to say Mommy. He wasn't interested.

Later, after Shimmy'd arrived she said, "Mommy's leaving now. Say bye-bye!" Sam ran over distraught. He stopped at Shimmy's knees and threw his arms in the air. She picked him up and reassured him she was staying, and only Mommy was leaving. Relieved, he returned to the business of playing. I left to the vroom vroom sound of Sam's vacuum being used in a game of chase.

I'd be jealous, but he's always so cheery when I get home. And a mom has to love anything (or anyone) that makes her kid that happy. But even better than that is knowing that when I get home, he'll flap his little hands and run toward ME.


*Names have been changed

7 comments:

Peanut said...

I'm just hoping that if you ever have to change my name for a story that I get a name as cool as "Shimmy Sprinkles"!

Boss said...

OK. Out of curiosity, which do you like best: pirates, mormons, or elves?

Peanut said...

Hmmm. That's a tough one. I feel semi-obligated to say "mormons", but I really want to say "pirates"!

Boss said...

How 'bout a mormon pirate? Something like "Iron Anne LaBonneyJo". You steal jello from the rich and give it to ... I don't know, someone who just had a baby.

Taffy said...

Do I get a new name too, or do I still have to be "Princess Enemy"

Boss said...

I'd forgotten about "Princess Enemy." That's a pretty good handle, but if you want a new one that can be arranged.

Peanut said...

I'd forgotten about "Princess Enemy" too, but being reminded of it makes me laugh. I'd keep it. Makes you sound dangerous! Plus, IMO, you can be called "Princess Enemy" without actually being the enemy. But I understand if you opt to get a new one.