I love stories, especially true ones. Charlie and the Ant is one of my favorites. You can imagine Charlie loves hearing it too. He turns nine this coming Tuesday, and sometimes his birthday coincides with Mother’s Day.
A little Mother’s Day indulgence for me today, finally publishing this story. Hope you smile. And a fabulous Mother’s Day to all you wonderful moms out there!
Charlie and the Ant by allie taylor
The growing Mt. Everest heap under the laundry chute was an embarrassment. Early one Saturday I finally rolled up my sleeves and did business, washing and drying the whole lot. But what I really dreaded? The sorting. The folding. The missing socks!
Charlie was just a little guy then, still a baby. I sat him down next to the mountain of clean clothes with a rattle, “Good Night Moon” and his passy. And that kept him busy. (For about a minute.)
The laundry stacks grew, and suddenly Charlie’s eyes brightened like Christmas. He zig-zagged lickety-split toward something. Something alive. It was black and shiny and possessed six wriggly legs. An ant!!!
Yay, I thought cheerfully, relieved he’d not yet reached that all important pincer grasp milestone. Yes, just the thing… a pet ant to occupy him. Fascinated, he busily tracked the ant for several minutes while I was making a sizable dent in the laundry pile.
And then in a flash, the unthinkable happened. The ant was nowhere to be seen. Motivation must be key to mastering that pincer grasp. Because the ant was now captive.
In Charlie’s MOUTH!
I should have left well enough alone. I know that now. Extra protein is good, and he was so happy.
(The baby, not the ant.)
But I didn’t leave well enough alone. I freaked, and then shrieked. I’m sure they heard it in Tulsa.
And so he howled too, just as his daddy walked in the door for lunch.
“WHAT is going on in here?”
And then his Daddy laughed and laughed.
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Ellen says
Cute story…as moms we’ve all “let something go” a time or two…Happy Mothers Day!!
Susie Mandel says
Hee hee…:)
Aunt Pinkie says
What a riot! Am assuming that that was not tte start of his new favorite food?! Love it: )
Mary says
Still smiling ! Yes, I can picture it all in my mind – what a cutie
Diana says
Happy Mothers’ Day Allie, your are a very special mom , thank you for sharing your story, I would have been screaming too!!!!
Jennifer says
Love this story! And the picture! Happy Mother’s Day to one of my favorite and precious moms!
Bethy says
Ha! Extra protein indeed. Maybe a little “Baby Fear Factor”? I’m wondering what Judge’s first eating adventure will be.
Karen @ On the Banks of Salt Creek says
You wouldn’t believe all the stuff my kids have put in their mouths over the years.
I credit their healthy immune systems to all that stuff.
Boys….they are entertaining.
Carina Spring says
Haha! Understandable reaction, I think I would have reacted the same way! That is such a funny age, when everything has to go in the mouth, including things that we just don’t expect! Happy Mother’s Day – Hope you enjoyed the weekend. 🙂
Carina Spring says
I just had to add… The photo of Charlie is so precious!! Talk about eyes that sparkle!
Allie says
Thank you Carina, sometimes it’s a sparkle….sometimes it’s FIRE!!! 🙂
Carina Spring says
🙂
Madeleine says
Too funny! I pulled a lady bug out of H’s mouth this past week…what is it with kids and bugs?! xo
Allie says
Too funny Mads. And the bugs match the kids…Ch w/an ant, and H with a cute little ladybug for breakfast.(Or snack.)
Linda Jenkins says
I would have yelled just as loud as you did. Bugs give me the creeps, yet every child I know finds them fascinating. Well, all except my grandson Lucas. He runs for his mother, takes her to the spot, and points out the intruder. Love the story, Allie.