Fickle Devotion

This afternoon as I was reading a book about an ambivalent, guilt-ridden mother, Evan stopped his playing to tell me, "Mommy, I love you for life." I was glowing about this unprovoked statement of Evan's love for me all afternoon. One could say I was gloating about what a fulfilled, happy mother that I am compared to the mothers in a Jodi Piccoult novel. Then that evening, Evan had to say something to keep my mommy ego in check. He told me, "I love Katie (our nanny)." To which I replied, "But you love me too right?" He simply reaffirmed his love for Katie. Well, I have to admit Katie is fantastic. If I must be replaced, Katie is definitely worthy.