Oh, No! Don't leave Mom

I thought that we were over that entire "separation anxiety". We started early - well before any other babies discover that mom is her own separate person. BUT we also ended early. Well, before other children have discovered that mom always came back.

We have developed some coping mechanisms for babysitters. Walks. Mom putting on her shoes and loading the car up long before it is really time for her to leave. FOOD! Bubbles. "Big kids" to play with. Dad doing the drop off. And did I mention food???

Over the last couple weeks, Lydia has caught on to these things and has developed a new dislike for separating from mom :(

• Mom stands up it may mean that she is just going to the bathroom or she could be LEAVING. So it is best to just start screaming ASAP. 
• Mom gets the bubbles out and it may mean that we are going to play bubbles and it may mean that mom is getting ready to LEAVE. Best to cling to mom's leg as tightly as possible. 
• Mom takes the trash out and she will probably be outside for HOURS taking that small bag to the trash can. Start screaming at dad immediately. 
• Dad is holding the baby AND we are at church. Must mean that mom is ESCAPING. Hurry, try to create tears. Quick, quick, quick (what is funny is she starts working on these "tears" the minute we walk in the door and I have yet to see the tears fall from her eyes!). 
• Mom puts a bag next to the front door and this defiantly means she is LEAVING. This is Lydia's cue to grab shoes... 

"I will put it on myself. Just don't leave me!"

"Just a minute mom."

"Here you put on your shoes."