Paci-free Night #2 and Oh, My Obsessive Nature

Tonight I went for a hike in the HEAT with my friends S1 and S2 (I'll let them try to figure out which is which).  We brought along the little angel and one of the S's dog, Jasmine. (Dogs do not need the protection of annonymous Internet nicknames.)  I think the heat index lingered somewhere above the 100 degree mark, or at least enough to bring about a rise in the coloring of my cheeks.  The rise in coloring did not happen when I was younger. I think this heat-cheek thing goes along with the sudden need for night-time beauty products sold as "serums."

I realize, in retrospect, that I both freaked out about a mosquito on the little angel's cheek and accused her of succombing to heat exhaustion when she was merely napping.  One of the Ss commented that it is unfortunate my beloved is embarking on a new career path, because it means money will be too tight for the next several years for us to consider birthing another angel. For some reason, these people think I am a paranoid mama.

Ha ha ha.  They can't possibly be right.

Although, to the casual observer, to my family and to my beloved, I appear obsessed. Sometimes, to myself, I also appear obsessed. In my trolling of various web sites dedicated to Parenting the Only Child, I've noticed that becoming obsessed with one's solo offspring is a grave danger.  I must work on this.  I don't want more children, but I also don't want to be That Mother.

However, in my defense, the little angel is now sleeping, without her paci.  Victory is mine.

When I went to put her down, I gave her Tulip (her first stuffed friend), then offered her the choice of Stuffed Kitty or Odd Mickey Mouse.  She chose Stuffed Kitty and laughed when Odd Mickey gave her a kiss.  She was quiet for some time.

Then, we heard something odd on the baby monitor.  The little angel was apparently poking the buttons on Tad the Strange Learning Frog's tummy.  Instead of "one minute 'till night-night" we heard "that's the BLUE TRIANGLE" and "that's the PURPLE SQUARE."  Then we'd hear the little angel chuckle ruefully.  This was followed by some barking "wah wahs," then a long, low scream. 

Silence.

Wah. Wah.  SCREAMMMM.

Wah. Wah.  Silence.

"Why is my cheek ticking?" I asked myself.  After all, I am not worried about this latest milestone.  I am Mother Supreme.  Mother Laid-Back.  I will overcome all stereotypes.

Wah. Wah.  I went upstairs, made Mickey kiss her cheek again.  Nemo swam around the crib.  I pushed the button on the crib aquarium, and set off that blissful bubbling noise that makes me want to rip the aquarium from her crib and position it near my own bed to keep the dreams of rabid dogs at bay.

Then...again...silence.  She's done it again.  She fell asleep without the pacis.

Can someone please start the applause?  Overprotective Mother emerges victorious.