SpongeBob-ian Knowledge

Last night after I went to work out, I was sitting in the front room winding down, when Cameron suddenly started screaming, "Mom! Where are you? Mom!!! Mom!!! Save me!! Help me!! Mom!!!!". I wasn't sure if he was having a bad dream or if he really did need help, so I got up and started toward his room.
"What's wrong, Buddy?" I asked. "Where are you? Are you hurt?"
"Mom! Help me! Save me!!! I'm stuck on the top bunk, and it's pitch black!!!! HELP!!!!!"

I started toward his room and turned on the hall light. I could see the look of relief on his face as soon as the light hit it. "Thanks, Mom. I was reading my book, then my light started flickering, then it went out."

I responded with, "So, it was like that one Sponge Bob where Sponge Bob and Squidward said 'And the lights will flicker on and off....'..." because in my world, all things in life relate back to a Sponge Bob episode in one way or another.

We laughed and I gave him a hug.

Lately, I have felt like my mothering has entered a new frontier of sorts. It seems like for years, my life was a blur of homework assignments, sippy cups, and diapers. Then I blinked and my babies turned into these self-sufficient little people. They get themselves dressed and enjoy picking out clothes for their baby sister- their own personal, living, breathing baby doll, fix their own breakfast, help with dinner, and keep their rooms much cleaner than I keep mine. Sometimes I catch myself feeling so unnecessary. Then a moment like last night happens, and I am reminded that even though they are getting older and more grown up, deep down they still need me. I guess more importantly, even though they sometimes act like they don't, I think they really do want me around, too. And that feels great!