My AMAZING sister-in-law offered to take the girls for two days to give me a break, to give the cousins fun time together, and to give her an adventure. A 2 year old, 5 year old, 7, year old and 9 year old (plus a dog)...while her husband was out of town...I'm sure it was an adventure. She's awesome!
I enjoyed EVERY SINGLE MINUTE of my two days that included NOT picking up toys, NOT making peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, and NOT having my day revolve around nap time. I also relished the ease of getting in and out of cars and keeping the house clean...the uniqueness of being by myself and setting my own agenda...the treat of going to IKEA and having an OB appointment that didn't involve keeping Abby from touching the biomedical waste disposal can.
It was good marriage time too. Chris and I got to get coffee and walk on the beach one morning, go to a movie without getting a babysitter, and actually look each other in the eye when we talked. What a gift!
But.
It was also strange. Strange to see toys, but never have to pick them up. Weird to walk by the girls' room but not have a reason to go in. Bizarre to fold small pink clothes but have no one around to wear them.
I thoroughly enjoyed having two days to myself, and I also realized more clearly than ever that I LOVE MY JOB. I love the mess, the stress, the tiredness, the focus on the small people I brought into this world. Despite the fact that I sometimes whine about it, I LOVE my high-energy, low-praise, no-pay job. Sometimes removing yourself from your routine helps you realize how much you actually enjoy it.
I celebrated Independence Day today by giving up mine...and driving to LA to bring my munchkins home.
Welcome back girls, it's good to have you.
