Can't leave her behind

We've hit a fun new stage with Peanut: separation anxiety.

It's so bad that when one us walks out of the room for a second, she starts whining. And if we aren't back soon enough, it turns into full-on meltdown mode. I will leave her surrounded by toys so I can go to the bathroom or do something in the kitchen. Usually I come back to find that she has flung herself back across her Boppy pillow, tears streaming down her cheeks, little arms and legs just a flailing like a turtle on its back.

And as soon as I sit down with her again, she's fine.

I heard this might be coming but I didn't think my sweet little Peanut who rarely cried (unless we put her down for a nap) would start this.

She only does it with me, the husband and our wonderful babysitter. Everyone else, including doting grandparents and aunts and uncles, she just mildly suspicious.

Two weekends ago, the husband and I went to dinner at some friends'. We left her with my sister (who by the way is having a girl this July! I'm already packing up all of Peanut's clothes.) My sister said Peanut was fine, just not her normal giggly, smiley self like she is when we are around. I thought it was odd because she has stayed with my sister before and we see her at least once a week if not more.

My suspicions were confirmed last weekend when the husband and I went out for Valentine's Day. While we were busy having a romantic dinner next with toddler standing on the table next to us, Peanut was busy giving my parents a hard time. We left while she was napping and when she woke up, she didn't stop crying for more than an hour. My little girl hasn't cried like that since we first brought her home from the hospital. It's not like she doesn't know my parents. We usually see them every other week.

I felt awful when I called to check on her and I could hear her crying in the background. My father hustled me off the phone by telling me everything was fine and that they could handle it.

The next day I started reading one of my baby books and it said this phase could last three to five months! What!? You mean I will feel like I'm scarring my child every time I have to pee or go on a date with my husband? Awesome.

I suppose I should be happy if it only lasts three to five months. I remember having fits when my mother tried to leave me at preschool and I would develop stomach aches when I spent the night at a friend's house. I was that kid.

I was supposed to go to a college basketball game today with the husband and his brother. We planned to leave Peanut with my parents again but I've decided that I will stay behind and hang out with her.

I know I can't be by her side all of the time but I think until we get through this, I will be sticking close to her when I can.

Although she might just have to deal when I go to the bathroom. Momma needs a little time to herself every now and then.