When Mommy's Away the Mice Will Play (NO Cal Version)

I spent my first weekend away from the little guy in nearly 2 years. The longest I had ever been away from him was about 9 hours to go Christmas shopping. 2 nights and 3 full days was quite milestone for us. We woke up Wilken bright and early to take me to the airport on a Friday. He was a cheerful little bug in the car. He happily waved to me and gave me a big hug and a kiss before racing off to go up the escalator and watch the airplanes take off while laughing hysterically.

I was on my own! What would I do? I felt a lump in my throat, tears coming to my eyes, and a pit in my stomach. I had irrational thoughts of terrorist attacks and airplane malfunctions. What was happening? Was this the same separation anxiety that Wilken had been experiencing all of those months? Shame on me for ever being impatient at times. This was miserable. I had to call my parents and Becky (Rory's mom) for a pep talk.

Thankfully, it was all short lived. I got myself together. I brought out one of the very few non-child related books I have read this past two years and began reading...uninterrupted. I was off to meet my little niece for the very first time.

Phoebe. She is a beauty. She sleeps like no baby I have ever met. She is an absolute doll. I was in love immediately, and had so much fun being re-immersed into the world of the newborn. I think I am ready to start this all over again in November!

I got to hold my little niece a ton, and even was able to soothe her back to sleep on occasion. I can vouch for her tendency to relieve her self, right in the middle of the changing, all over the place. She is quick! I was able to cook and do things around the house without a little "helper" and without having to take play breaks. It was very relaxing.

In the meantime, I had plenty of updates from Ryan who was in Super Dad mode. Not only did he keep Wilken way busier than I will ever be able to keep up with, he gave him all of his food groups, kept up with his nap and bedtime schedule, and even did a lot of house work. I came home to a very clean house! Wilken was having an absolute blast. Who needs mom?

My brother and sister-in-law may be getting some better sleep than Ryan and I did at this stage. She slept 4+ hours during my visit! I actually got the best sleep in the house though. I had 2 full nights without interruption. Well, a full night with the exception of bathroom breaks due to the little guy on the way. We were able to watch a movie while Phoebe slept, able to chat like adults, and worked our lives around her schedule of eating, sleeping, pooping, and occasionally fussing. They even threw a dinner party while I was there for some friends. She slept through the entire meal!

Ryan and I decided to wait until later in the day Saturday for me to talk to Wilken on the phone since he was doing so well. Hearing his little sweet voice was the cutest thing. While I was savoring each moment on my own, I couldn't wait to get home to him (and Ryan of course).
I am going to have to wait until August to see Phoebe again. Wilken and Ryan will be able to meet her too!

I was so excited to see my boys when I got home. Absence does indeed make the heart grow fonder, if that is possible. Wilken gave me the sweetest hugs and kisses and wouldn't allow me to put him down until we enticed him with escalators and airplanes.