Veronica (age 7): What kind of birthday cake do you want, Mommy?
Penelope (age 3): Do you want a PBSkids.org cake?
Me (age almost 32): What I'd really like is for you guys to design a cake for me. I'd love to see what you come up with on your own just for me. That would be really special!
V: Okay, so we need to think of not like a theme or anything, but something original...something that really describes Mommy.
Alexandra (age 5): I know! How about we make a cake that looks like Mommy working at the computer?
Me: Woah woah woah. I know I've had a lot of paperwork to do lately, with taxes and adoption. But that's not what DESCRIBES me.
V: Well...of course I really, really, REALLY want you to get the adoption paperwork done...
A: Yay! I can't wait for more kids!
P: Yay! Kids!
V: ...but...you are spending A LOT of time working...I think....maybe... too much?
Me: You think so? Do you wish I spent less time on the computer?
V,A,P: YES!!!
V: And...I think you spend too much time working on the house, too. I mean, the housework that we don't help with that you do when we're outside playing. I like the housework we do TOGETHER. You're still a good mommy, though!
Me: But you wish I would be a better one - what do you wish I would do instead?
V: Just BE with us! I mean, we get to do lots of fun things with you, but...I would like to do MORE of that. Like, I wish you would be outside WITH us. You don't have to PLAY with us, but it would be nice for you to BE there, outside, too.
Me: Okay, wow. That would be so sad if you grow up and look back on your childhood and think "my mom did not make just BEING with me a priority."
V: (laughing) Well, I'm not sad or anything. But it would be really NICE if you, you know... tried a little harder?
Me: How about if I try to get all my work done AFTER you guys go to bed? Then I can put the computer and extra housework away ALL DAY.
V, A, P: YEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!
