The circumstances for the girls' sabbatical into Missouri were not ideal but nevertheless, as a stay-at-home mom, I was not heartbroken over the fact that I was going to have a few days without them. Whenever the time comes around that they're going to spend some time with Grandma & Grandpa or Uncle Rich & Aunt Tammy, I look forward to their departure with maybe just a smidgen too much anticipation. This time was no different. Perhaps I should be ashamed to say so, but I'm not. It didn't matter that they were going away so that I could spend some time helping my parents get some much needed things done around their home due to my father's illness; at least I knew that when I finished cleaning something, it would stay that way for more than five minutes.
What originally started out as a tentative "few days" trip ended up being a ten-day-long break from my kids. I don't think they've ever been gone that long before. We've done a week, more than once, and while part of me is jonesing for my baby girls by the end of that seven days, the other part of me is saying, "Is it over already?" Ten days, however....well, apparently, it's a helluva LOT longer than seven.
There was no, "Wow, I can't believe it's over already," this time. Nope. It was strictly, "I want my babies back and I want them NOW!" The four hour drive to my parents-in-laws' home seemed to take forever. Even our near scrape with death didn't liven up the trip too much. Once we hit the sign that said "Brookfield, 35" I found myself checking the clock every two minutes and wondering if we could drive 35 miles in 15 minutes.
When we finally, finally, pulled into the driveway, Chaz barely had the car in park before I was out my door. We both hastily agreed that we weren't going to bother with unloading the car at that point and raced into the house just as fast as our feet would carry us.
Stepping into the living room, I stopped and drank in the sight of my two beautiful daughters. They were both sitting on the floor watching 101 Dalmations. Daphnie saw me first. She turned and looked up and after just a brief second, her eyes lit up, her mouth broke into a huge, open-mouthed grin and she giggled. She then reached her arms up to me in a silent plea to come pick her up. Needless to say, I acquiesced.
It was that which got Aubrey's attention. Jumping up, she yelled "Mommy!" and came over to wrap her arms around my leg. Almost as quickly she leaned back, looked up at me and said, "Is Daddy at work?" I looked over at Chaz, who had stayed at the back of the room and we shared a grin. I told Aubrey that no, Daddy wasn't at work. She then asked, "Where is he?" and then began to look from side to side, slowly pivoting towards the back of the room. And then she saw him and yelled "Daddy!" and raced to him. Seeing as his arms were still empty, he swung her into the air and then gave her a huge hug.
It was quite the reception.
Since we got home last night the girls have been very well behaved, a bit more so than usual. They've also been clingy, but not in that "bad" way where you know they don't feel good or they're tired and a bit whiney. They just haven't left my side all day. They split their time between Chaz and me until he left for work but since he's been gone, they've pretty much been glued to my side. Daphnie wants to sit in my lap and Aubrey wants to sit right next to me and we've spent the day together, watching The Lion King and How to Train Your Dragon and playing and reading. I haven't gotten this many hugs from my girls maybe ever.
I must admit, it's quite the feeling. I have so much enjoyed just getting to hold them and talk to them and listen to Daphnie mimic every word that comes out of my mouth. It hasn't been irritating at all today that they haven't given me a moment's peace. I got up this morning with the intention of getting a bunch of stuff done around the house. It didn't take much for me to give up on that idea and just enjoy my time with my babies. The housework will be there tomorrow.
I knew I was missing my girls, but I don't think I realized just how much I missed them until I got them back. Even the things that drive me a little crazy, like Aubrey waiting until I've just sat down and gotten comfortable in the hole we call a couch before telling me she has to go potty. It felt so good to just be a mom today and to not let any of the little things that a one and three-year-old are bound to do drive me up the wall. It was great to just feel good and happy and not stress about the dishes sitting in the sink or the dog hair that's covering the carpet or the girls' suitcase which still hasn't been unpacked. It was great to really focus on and enjoy and truly appreciate every hug and kiss and "I love you."
I think sometimes I take them for granted, even though I do try really hard not to. I know that I am extremely blessed to have the children I do and to be able to stay home and simply be their mom. I always try to remind myself that not every mom has that luxury and therefore I should be even more thankful. I try hard not to forget that, but I think sometimes I do anyway. Today I was reminded again of how blessed I truly am and I thank God that he has given me this wonderful life, surrounded by the wonderful people he has put in it for me.
My husband, who puts up with me and loves me for me and supports me with no questions asked.
My girls, who love me unconditionally and remind me that there are more important things, like dragons and dinosaurs, than laundry and dirty dishes.
My mother and father, who give me a daily example of marriage, of love conquering any struggle that may arise. I've reached a new level of appreciation for them this past week and I thank God that they are both still here and pray that they continue to be.
My other mother and father (in-law) who watched the girls with no hesitation when I asked them. They are amazing people with amazing hearts and their love is boundless. I cannot put into words how much I have learned to care for and love them, how much I appreciate them, and how thankful I am that God put them into my life.
My sisters, one of which took the girls at the drop of a hat with no questions asked and the other who like me, has struggled and is now overcoming. You both are inspirations to me.
My best friend, who when I say I'm hormonal and a little grouchy because I'm on my first period in over a year says, "I've got you covered, I'll bring home chocolate."
Everyone else, friends, relations and acquaintances, who have sent up prayers and offered support.
I love you all.
No comments:
Post a Comment