Stinky Robot

One of the things that has made it easier for me to be a stay at home mom is those moments when I put on Law & Order while my children play obliviously on the floor next to me. As I feed Josie's babies and crash Owen's cars, I keep one eye on Detective Lupo as he interogates a suspect in a triple homicide. They are happy playing, and I am happy watching.

During my Law & Order escapade this afternoon, I noticed Josie keeping her eyes locked on the TV a little longer than normal. She seemed to be watching and, unfortunately, listening. But in a minute she looked away, unphased, and asked me to help change a baby's diaper. She wasn't really watching. She couldn't be.

While Norm was giving Josie and Owen a bath tonight, I turned on a Law & Order that I had only seen once. Jackpot. After a few minutes, Josie shuffled into the room wrapped tightly in her froggy towel. She slowed down in front of the TV and stood there. A father described to Detective Goren how his son drowned in a leaky rowboat. Josie started laughing hysterically. Was she listening? I thought in horror. Did she understand? I thought, even more horrified. Is she a pyschopath who finds humor in a young boy dying in a leaky rowboat?

"Josie, why are you laughing?" I said with panic in my voice.

"Stinky robot," she said arching her back as she laughed even harder. "He said stinky robot."

I laughed with her and let out a sigh of relief. I was safe for now. But I realized it was the end of an era. No more Law & Order drama in between outbursts of Josie & Owen's drama. No more Briscoe & Curtis to keep me company while I color in Bert & Ernie. Just me and my kids all day. Alone. Thank goodness they are so adorable.