The Shirt Off My Back

When I was a little girl and my mother would go out of town, or even out for the night, and I was really missing her, I would go in her closet and steal a nightgown to snuggle with. Being able to hold on to something of hers, something that smelled like her was so comforting. The only thing I can think of to this day that smells better than Rachel Wiley is my babies after bath time. And if my mom has been holding one of my babies and they get the Shuggie/baby combo going….I could sniff them until I pass out!

Emma (2) hasn’t been feeling well or sleeping well lately. A few nights ago she came in our bedroom in the middle of the night and wanted to crawl in the bed with us. If you have read ANYTHING about this child, you know that she is never still. This includes during sleep. So, in order for Zeb and I to get any sleep, she HAD to go back to her bed. She was crying for me as Zeb was picking her up to carry her to her room. I asked her if she wanted to sleep with my shirt and she quickly agreed. I snatched my shirt off and gave it to her and went back to sleep in my sports bra.

Nap time can be a big to do around here. Someone is usually protesting or picketing about having to go to sleep, so on a couple of occasions I have once again, ‘given her the shirt off of my back’, just to expedite the whole sleeping process.

Tonight, Emma who is still running a fever wanted to sleep in our bed. Zeb told her no but said he would lay down with her in her bed for a few minutes. After feeding Sadie (3 mos), I went in to the big girls room to give the baby to Zeb, so I could get in the shower. Aubrey(4) was crying because Daddy had snuggled with Emma but not with her, so I laid down with Aubrey for a few minutes to console her. As I passed out hugs and kisses and got ready to leave, Emma started raising a ruckus because I had laid down with Aubrey and not with her. GEEZ, can’t win for losing! So, once again, just to move things along, I asked Emma if she wanted my shirt.
Emma: Yeah, yeah, yeah….cober me up wit it Momma.
I did, my shirt covered her from head to toe.
Aubrey: Why you give that to her Momma??
Me: I don’t know, baby. She just likes it.
Aubrey: Wellllllllll, I like your pants.
I didn’t even hesitate or stop to think about it. I want a shower and I want to sleep. ASAP. I ripped my pajama pants off and threw them to her. The girls have totally dissolved into to giggles. I am now standing in between their 2 beds in nothing but my bra and panties.
Emma: Well, I wike you underwears Momma….
I LITERALLY fell in the floor I was laughing so hard!
Me: I don’t know who y’all think you are or what you’re playing at, but that is IT! I’m drawing the line! GOOD NIGHT!
I could still hear them laughing as I closed the door.