I'm sick. It's almost noon and I'm still lying on the couch in my robe. My daughter is still in PJ's and last night's dishes are in the sink.

My head hurts, my stomach doesn't want food, and its cold and snowy outside. I did manage to start a fire, so at least its warm and cozy inside.

It's a perfect day to call in sick - except you can't call in sick when you are Mommy to a two-year-old.

My daughter is concerned, asking every five minutes or so, "Mommy feeling better now?"

She brings me toys, her Teddy Bear, a book. "Mommy feeling better now?" She looks worried. I try to smile. "No honey, not yet."

Today is a day when I unashamedly use the TV for a babysitter. And the TV is babysitting both of us. Together we are curled up with a blanket watching Franklin and Dora and Obi. I try to change the channel occasionally, but then K shouts, "It's my turn TV, MY TURN TV."


I pick up a book. I haven't read a book all the way through since we became a licensed foster adopt home about four years ago. I look wistfully at the book when K shouts, "watch TV mommy, watch TV ME." And so together we watch Miffy, Maisy and Blue's Clues on Noggin.

And you know, life is pretty good. We are curled up in a blanket together and its snowy and cold outside and there is a fire burning and we are watching TV. Together.

I'm not doing dishes; I'm not vacuuming. I'm not calling one of my sisters on the phone. Hey! We are having Mommy and daughter time. No distractions, no Daddy, no toys, no work. We are bonded,loving being with each other.

K kisses me on the cheek. "Mommy feeling better now?"

"Mommy's feeling a lot better honey, Mommy's feeling great."

K smiles and kisses me again.

It's a good day to call in sick.