The Stalker

My heart skips a beat. I wait, my ears straining for footsteps on the stairs.

Whew.  Nothing.

I start the shower. The warm water steams over the mirror and in seconds my reflection is gone.

Hopping under the warm water, I relish my alone time.

Suddenly, the door slams open like a scene from a horror movie. He’s standing there, a deranged smile on his face, red hair in disarray.

“MAMA!!!” he squeals excitedly.

Crap. I forgot to lock the door.

The redheaded terror has invaded.

This is only the beginning, as my little stalker follows me EVERYWHERE.

The bathroom.

The closet.

The kitchen.

The basement.

The garage.

EVERYWHERE.

It’s quite annoying, especially when you are trying to take a shower, use the bathroom or just have a moment to yourself.

I knew becoming a parent would mean my alone time would be limited, but nothing prepared me for a creepy little redhead leering at me while I showered.

There are days when I can’t take having a little shadow tailing me throughout the house yelling “I want mama. I want mama.” Sometimes I just want to fast forward the clock to a time when I can finally pee alone, and the only shadow following me is my own.

When he can tie his own shoes and pull on his own pants.

When he can eat without littering the floor with soggy mini wheats.

When he can use the potty on his own.

Although, here’s the kicker: when he can do all those things, …

He won’t ask for his “mama” anymore.

He won’t ask for stories or want me to tuck him in.

He won’t be my little boy anymore.

I’m not ready for that just yet.

So, I guess I won’t file a restraining order against this little redheaded stalker just yet.

Instead, I’ll embrace this small space in time when I’m his world and he is mine.

Oh, and I’ll remember to lock the bathroom door.