Mom Plus Three

Two

I was in the bathroom.

6 year old: Mummy! Mum!! Mummy!!!

She's obviously screaming my name while walking into my room.

Me: Yes Kaima

6 yo: You're bathing?

Me: Yes. Anything I can help you with?

6yo: I'll sit and wait until you come out.

Five minutes later, I'm out.

6yo: Mummy

Me: Yes

6yo: when I grow older, can I still call you mummy?

Me: (surprised) Before nko?what do you plan on calling me?

6yo: I mean I can still call you mummy just like Kelechi who still calls his mom Mummy, right?

Me: (blushing) yes, you can call me mummy. (I'm smiling now).

6yo: Good. (stands up to leave). And thank you very much mummy.

(She leaves the room and walks to the sitting room. I was happy and blushing, my baby still wants to call me mummy when she's older. But then, the African mama instinct in me kicks in. No, this isn't just a show of love😒)

Me: Kaima!!!

6yo: Yes mummy! (Runs in)

Me: so, why exactly where you asking me if you can still call me mummy when you're older? I know you didn't just ask.

6yo: Ah ah! You know nah (in Nigerian parlance)

Me: (turns fully to face her) No?

6yo: Hmmm. See Mummy, I don't want when I grow up now, some persons will be disturbing me, telling me to pay for this or that. Then I'll start thinking of things to buy like my clothes and shoes; food to cook and even house rent (She smiles) but I'm no more worried. Since I can still call you mummy then, that means you'll keep doing what mummies do. Pay for everything I need. I don't want stress.

Me: 😲😲😲