Slightly Off-Balance

I have said before that I am the classic, over-protective, mama bear.  I had Mama Bear feelings three times today before 10:00 am! 

Mama Bear #1:

My son woke us up at 5:45 this morning because he had had a nightmare. 

He failed to mention that he had already filled his diaper and subsequently pee’d through the full diaper, soaking my husband and his side of the bed (thank God for California Kings – my side was dry and warm!).  In disgust, my husband got up, changed my son, put him in bed next to me and got ready for the day (45 minutes early).  But I digress…

My son couldn’t go back to sleep because he was so scared from his nightmare, his little heart was racing.  (I know because we had to snuggle tight to avoid the pee.)  He started asking me questions about bad guys and home security.  I ended up turning on the light and talking with my son for forty-five minutes about ‘what-ifs’ and why he is safe.  He wanted me to get his dad, because he was worried I was too small to defeat a bad guy.  I tried to explain without showing my over-dramatic true colors that I would keep him safe at all costs.  I explained that bad guys have no interest in us, we have an alarm system, etc, etc.  But I was getting worked up being asked questions like, “What if a bad guy came in with a gun and tried to take Sissy or I?”  What I really wanted to say is that if somebody came in this house that shouldn’t, I would kill them.  Did you see the period?  Kill them. Period.  Even if they were bigger and had a gun, I would win because you always bet on the crazy mama bear!

Mama Bear #2:

After getting my son safely off to school, I was driving my daughter to preschool.  We literally live within a mile of the school and could walk if it wasn’t so damn cold this morning.  (Who am I kidding, I always drive!)  As I was going straight, somebody turned left in front of me.  I had to SLAM on my brakes with my sweet, precious girl in the car! Once I realized that, by the grace of God, we had stopped (I truly don’t know how I brought my husbands huge truck to a stop that fast!) I was relieved… and pissed!  What kind of moron makes a left turn without slowing down, or looking both ways!  I wanted to yell at her, but I settled for a long honk.  My little girl is too young to witness road rage. 

However, when I dropped her off at school my heart was still racing and my voice cracked when I tried to tell the story.  You all know that feeling… I get chills just writing about it.

Mama Bear #3:

After dropping my daughter off at preschool, I went to the gym.  I hoped to run off the adrenaline pumping through my veins.  I had a nice run and on my way home noticed that our neighbor’s nanny’s car was parked in front of their house.  Except, they had fired that nanny yesterday! 

Now maybe, I was already mentally in the wrong place with the bad guy talk and near collision, but I started worrying about disgruntled employees and my neighbor’s sweet little girl inside.  I instantly pulled my car over.  But I didn’t jump out of my car and barge in the front door.  No, I am balanced and mature, but the thought occurred to me.  I texted my neighbor at work to make sure the nanny was supposed to be there, she confirmed that while they gave her notice yesterday, her last day was today.  I took yet another deep breath and went home.

I think I need some serious wine and chocolate to counteract the adrenaline from today!

Are you a mama or papa bear type?  Do you mentally prepare for the worst in situations?  Have you, like me, mapped out your exit strategies with the kids if an intruder got into the house?  Have you performed acts of heroism for the sake of your children? Some other time I will tell you about my escalator gymnastics that saved my son’s life…

Bottom line, am I crazy or a normal mama?

My protective side...