Garnet's Journal

October 11, 2005

Mummy Subsitutes for Papi

Dear Reader,

We kids need private time with each parent. I spend a lot of time with the Mummy. My Papi works a lot; sometimes far away. Usually he bathes and puts me to bed at night. He reads stories better than Mummy. Once a week we spend a whole day together. Sometimes the Mummy has to fill in for him.

Today was a good day but it didn't start out well. Saturday's are usually Garnet and Papi Lollapalooza Days. The big guy wasn't home this morning. He was on a plane - lucky Papi. I was alone with the Mummy. Since Papi was in the air she took me to swim class. At first I didn't think anything about it until we got there and she put on this weird hat. All I could do was stare at her. Finally I decided to make a break for it. She caught me but not before I noticed that the teachers also had funny hats. I figured they're just strange and stayed for class. At first I didn't trust the Mummy and held on to her with all my toddler might. We didn't drown so I relaxed and had a great time. We danced, played tunnel and did other cool things.

After swimming we went to the diner. I am very popular there because Papi and I have boys' brunch there every Saturday after swim class. Today I sat next to a baby girl. I told her all the important things about training grown ups. She has a lot to learn. If I see her next week I'll tell her more. Mummy kept smiling at me talking to her but not the way Papi does when I play with girls.

The best part of the day was the afternoon. Mummy took me to Ken's birthday party. It was the best party ever. I know about these things. I've been to at least four birthday parties in my life. Today we chased a kite, played ball and jumped in a tent. While Ken's mommy was cutting his cake, my Mummy told me she had a surprise for me. When I finally listened to her, I saw Papi entering the park. That was the best part of the day. I had a good time today but I missed my main man. The party was better with him.

Besides being alone with Papi, another cool thing about Saturday is fraternity night. I'm president of the fraternity. On fraternity night we eat fun dinners like pizza or hot dogs. Sometimes we eat at the malt shop; all three of us. I don't know what the Mummy does on the Saturdays she isn't filling in for Papi but she seems really happy during fraternity night. For me it's the perfect way to end a great day. First I'm alone with my Papi, and then I have dinner with both parents.

Garnet

Read Mummy's Essay: Liberating Mommy