Stuck hanging with your parents

Elli has called every friend she knows and no one is home. There are voicemail messages from her all over town.

"Hi, It's me Elli. Do you want to go see the Smurfs movie today and stay for a sleepover? Call me back. BYE!" she has said over and over again.

At first I was worried. What if they all call back. It's going to be a party here.

It's been two hours and no one has called her back.

"Well, I guess I can just hang with you guys." she says with a humph.

Gee. Sorry to be such a drag.

I remember when she used to gladly go to the movies with us. She didn't have to have a friend with her. She wanted to sit in my lap.

Not anymore.

She's only nine. I thought this happened when they were teenagers.

Pretty soon she'll want us to drop her off at the mall to hang with friends. She won't let me walk her to school. She won't be my little shopping buddy. Unless of course I'm buying her something.

Boo hoo.

I totally get why people have big age gaps in between their kids.

They're sad their babies are growing up.

That is NOT going to happen here. Honestly, I cannot imagine having a little one again. Just thinking about chasing a toddler makes me tired.

So we're off to see the Smurfs. Just the three of us. Unless someone calls and saves her day at the last minute.