Mack here with a pretty harrowing story, in my opinion.
Lately, Mom keeps telling people, “I can’t wait for mat leave.”
But she says it fast – like matleave. Look, I have excellent hearing, but human words are confusing. So naturally, I heard: “Mack leave.” And obviously that means a special holiday centered around me, the curly prince of this household.
So I’ve spent the last few weeks mentally preparing for:
- Long morning cuddles
- Extra sniff walks
- Afternoon nap sessions with Mom
- Evenings where I choose the movie
- Shared snacks (mostly mine, but she can have a piece)
Honestly, I didn’t question it. Why wouldn’t there be a dedicated period of time named after me?
Chapter 1: The Countdown to Mack Leave Begins
As the house gets more and more chaotic, Mom and Dad have been getting the house ready. I follow them everywhere to supervise. I lay dramatically beside every package that arrives. I rest my head on their laps just to remind them who this season is REALLY about.
Then the crib arrived. Perfect!
My Mack Leave bed. A luxurious tiny throne. Finally some recognition of my importance.
But then… they put baby blankets in it. And a mobile.
Hmm. Strange décor choices for a Mack holiday.
Chapter 2: The Strange Things They’ve Been Saying
Dad keeps saying: “Once mat leave starts, it’ll be busy.”
Busy? For who? I’m already here. Fully present. Ready for devotion.
Mom keeps saying, “Everything is about to change!” which confused me because things already changed when she reorganized the pantry three times this week.
Then I started noticing, Mom and Dad keep washing and putting away the baby’s clothes (new ones seem to arrive every day). Tiny socks with no paw holes… Little snowsuits that don’t look like they would fit even one of my legs. What does this have to do with Mack Leave?
And then the worst. Mom said to me, “Mack, I am getting so close to my mat leave!” Except this time she said it slowly.
Mat. Leave.
…
Oh no.
Chapter 3: The Realization
Hold on. Hold on. She doesn’t mean Mack Leave. She means MATERNITY leave. For the baby. Not for me. Not a holiday. Not a celebration of my life’s contributions. Not a period of time dedicated to snuggles, snacks, and attention for Yours Truly.
No.
It’s for the tiny human.
I would like to personally apologize for loudly announcing “MACK LEAVE IS COMING” to the squirrels, the mailman, and that jogger who never waves back.
This is… embarrassing.
Chapter 4: The Truth I’ve Landed On
Even though I misunderstood… Even though “Mack Leave” is apparently not a recognized national holiday…Even though my mom isn’t staying home just to cuddle me…I’m still excited.
Because Mom will be home everyday. Dad will be home sometimes.
There will be naps. There will be snacks that get dropped on the floor for me. My Nonne, Grandpa, Aunts and Uncles will be over more often.
So maybe it’s not “Mack Leave.”, but it still sounds pretty nice.
(But I still think my version sounded more fun.)
Yours Truly,
Mack
