OK -- I just realized something today as I was out walking Archie. There were several bees swarming around someone's yard very near to the sidewalk where we were walking. Really big bees. Now, instead of thinking of protecting myself from getting stung -- the very first thought in my mind was shielding Archie from the bees and hurrying him away from the danger. When I'm in the car with Archie in his car seat next to me and I make a turn, I'm extra careful with oncoming cars on Archie's side of the car because I can't stand the thought of the car being hit on his side. When there were break-ins recently in my condo building (not my unit), I couldn't leave him alone in the house until I could get my security door and security system installed (that means I did not leave the house for a few days -- I work at home).
Is this the maternal instinct? I don't have kids, but I'm beginning to understand how people must feel about their children!
No maternal instinct post would be complete without a photo of the "kid":