While you were away - Grandparent Camp edition

Editorial note:  I was trying to publish this post last night...but our internet was being weird and thus I couldn't work on it until today.  But, the sentiment is still true.

Dear Max,

For awhile now we've known that your normal school teacher (daycare provider) would be on vacation this last week of June.  At first, mama flipped out - how was I going to take off another week of work?  How could Daddy?  Not that we didn't want too...(we always do!)...but we were already taking two vacations and I'm paranoid about stockpiling my vacation/sick time. I immediately buzzed up your Ohio grandparents, who first agreed to two days of watching you, and then when I said we would bring you to them for a couple days..they were on board for three days. All this to say - I knew this time was coming.

Fast forward to last Sunday.  We drove you down to Dayton...went to the pool, had lunch, took a walk, napped, and had dinner together.  Your dad and I were sort of dragging our feet on leaving but finally pulled out of the driveway.  I was surprised that I didn't cry while saying my goodbyes.  And, I knew you be fine. Totally fine.  Your grandparents are doting, wonderfully attentive people. What I wasn't prepared for was about half a mile down the road, having a total meltdown.  To the point where I looked at your dad, grabbed his arm, and begged him to turn the car around.  Thankfully, one of us was semi-sane and kept driving (spoiler alert: it wasn't me). I blubbered on about missing you already, how lonely we would be, and that I didn't know what I was thinking leaving you for three nights. I finally fell asleep and we arrived home.

I set out to check on my beloved plants and give them some much needed water.  This is something you and I normally do together. You watch as I uncoil the hose.  You sit in the grass as I unwind it all around the deck.  As I start to walk away to hit the flowers on the far side with water, you usually decide to crawl after me. You sort of bear crawl because you still aren't sure about the grass. You point to the flowers.  I tell you what they are.  You point to the tree.  I pull off a leaf for you to twirl and sometimes shred. Either way - I couldn't even water the flowers that evening without becoming a tearful mess. I rushed inside and collapsed on the couch with your dad...demanding for the second time that he drive me back to Daytona and "to hell with work!"  I called grandmim, who informed me of all the fun you had already been having...including a trip to the ice cream store.  In her no-nonsense way, she reminded me that everything would be fine. 

 The crazy part in all this - I had a HUGE list of all the things I was going to get done while you were with your grandparents. Clean out my closet, catch up on my scrapbooking, bake cookies, wash the sheets on the bed, organize all your clothes and on and on...  and you know what?  I got absolutely nothing done on Sunday.  I could barely muster up the energy to get off the couch.

 

It felt so weird to be without you.  I knew our lives revolved around you (in the best way possible) - but it's crazy how even when they don't (even for a few days) - we couldn't even figure out how to use our time. I got home from work yesterday and daddy was cleaning the garage.  I just looked at him and I knew - he missed you!  He was trying to keep himself busy so as not to think about it! 

Well ....here we are on day two (and a half) - I have gotten some things put away, clothes sorted, and definitely got to work on time in the morning...but we will be SO glad to have you back tomorrow!  We miss your smile...your babble....your curly mop... all of you sweet boy!  You complete our family in such a big way.  It's never been more apparent than the last few days.  I check my phone every ten minutes to see if a new picture has arrived from Grandmim, we slept with your baby blanket (no joke), and I find myself just wandering into your room thinking of all the books you will want to read when you get home.

We know you had a great time with your grandparents (as evidenced by all the pics in this letter) ...and are so thankful they could help us this week...but we can't wait to see you! 

love always,
Mama

P.S. Yes, it's true - I even sent you mail during your stay at Grandmim's and Gramps house.  But, I think you liked it :)