I am a separation wimp

I used to think people who complained about colds were pathetic. And then I got my first sinus infection.

I don't judge those people now and I need to deeply apologize to those in my past.

Over the last few years, if I get a cold, it knocks me out and tends to end with a flourish as a sinus infection.

Yesterday, the cold totally knocked me flat on my back. I was worried that I couldn't properly care for Madeline because I could barely keep my head held up.

But if we're being honest, I was really worried I would have to turn to the big purple dinosaur for support around noon. And that would be ugly.

By 9 a.m., I waved my white flag and cried, "Uncle Mom!"

Within 30 minutes, my mom arrived to take Madeline so I could sleep, eat and sleep some more.

I've only spent three days away from Madeline since she was born. That equals 811 out of the last 814 days. It was hard to not have her by my side, especially since it was the first day I'd spent without her in our home.

It was very weird and bizarrely quiet. I missed seeing her careen around corners or stepping on puzzle pieces left around or hearing "Mom? Mom? Mom? Mom?" approximately 37,000 times.

My mom is so much cooler than your mom because not only did she unexpectedly have Madeline for eight hours, she also had a take-home dinner ready for us when Joe went to pick up our little girl.

Love. My. Mom.

But man, I missed my little girl. When she finally walked through our door, I cried. She just looked so darling and came in yelling, "Mama, Mama!"

Plus, when my mom bought her a new ball, Madeline insisted that the price tags be placed on her back. You know, where her church name tags usually go.

She. Is. A. Doll.

But worth way more than $3.99.

When I woke up today, I felt well enough to rescind yesterday's petition for a throat and head transplant.

My mom called to see how I was faring and I think she was genuinely disappointed to hear I was better.

Mom: "Oh, you really feel better? Well, you still need your rest. Don't you think I should have Madeline again?" Me: "I really feel a lot better. I feel human again. I think I'll be fine today." Mom: "Well, I was thinking about taking her to the pet store and toy store. Don't you think she'd like that? And, you know, you really need to rest."

There's no way I can compete with the pet store AND toy store in one day, especially since I was only feeling well enough to play three rounds of Candyland instead of Madeline's usual 37.

So my little girl was gone again. By 5 p.m., I was tapping my toes and peering out the window every 30 seconds and chugging my Tylenol, determined to be 100 percent by tomorrow. I missed her terribly.

When she returned with a toy horse who neighed and shook its tail, it was pretty clear she didn't miss me as much. Or at all.

The last two days have been long but they reminded me once again how blessed I am to have my little girl and be able to spend 811 days with her so far.

Oh Lord, may I have 22,630 more.