Matt and I got home last night from a week chaperoning camp. Matt's parents(Danny and Jimmie Kay) had driven down to stay with the girls while we were away, and they were packing up this morning for their trip back to Tennessee. While Meme and Pop were packing, Audrey marched in and said she was going with them. Expecting her to back out, I casually said "Ok, I'll miss you." (kiss, hug, kiss) As the grandparents continued to pack, Audrey continued saying that she was going too.
Hmmm...
My wheels of thought began turning. These poor children have never spent a single night at their grandparents by themselves. Julia is 4 and Audrey is 2 and they have NEVER spent the night at their grandparents!! How sad is that?? As the wheels kept turning, I realized that now was actually a pretty good time in the calendar for her to head off to Tennessee. My mom (Mammy) is traveling down here herself in just 4 days; Audrey could easily return with her. After checking the daily logistics of childcare with Danny and Jimmie Kay, we walked to her room.
I packed the suitcase with Audrey following behind me every step of the way. She helped pick out which clothes and pajamas to take. She grabbed a few of her most precious toys, and then she hugged us goodbye! WHAT??? NO!!!!! I kept looking at Matt thinking, "Surely, she is NOT going to actually leave me!"
But she did.
We walked her out to their van. Matt put her carseat back in, and we kissed and hugged her again. Instead of the tears and a wailing of "Mommy!", as they backed out she waved and grinned EAR to EAR!
Audrey was thrilled.
I am not.
I just got her back, and now she's gone again.
I'm, seriously, jumping up from typing this every few minutes hoping to see their van returning, but it hasn't and I don't think it will. I'm proud of her for being a brave and independant little girl, but I miss her. I miss her sweet and soft cheeks. I miss her gap-toothed grin. I miss her sticky hands, and her neverending chatter.
Enough, Val! The tears are flowing now, and I don't want to cry.
Lord, thank you for the quiet moments of cuddling that she and I had this morning. Thank you for the giggles we shared. I guess those will have to last me until Wednesday night when she's back in my arms again!
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I know how you feel only recently have my boys spen thte night away- almost ten year with me except for when i went to the hospital to have the next one - you will do ok- just kiss her lots when she gets home!!! from the Coupon Queen in P.C. AL
ReplyDeleteWow, she is a brave little girl!
ReplyDeleteLook at it this way. It gives her a chance to be independent and do something that she's never done..and it gives you and Matt a chance to spend some time with Julia alone, that you may not have been able to do as much since Audrey was born. And she'll be back. Promise. I'm sure she misses you too.
ReplyDeleteI cried for my mama when we drove off from the reception....can't imagine what I would have done when I was only TWO! They are growing up so much!!
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