Overnight Success

Never would I have dreamed 6 months ago when I asked my mom to watch Colin in August, that I would have such separation anxiety! Wes' cousin, Shane, got engaged somewhere around Thanksgiving and intended to marry Kayla the following summer (as in now). When he sent out "Save the Date" cards earlier this summer, I mentioned it to mom and she said she would be glad to keep Colin. The reception was to be in TN, Kayla's hometown of Crossville to be exact. Wes was immediately skeptical and wasn't keen on the idea of leaving Colin. I, on the other hand, was ready for a break and thought this sounded wonderful. A night with other adults and getting to enjoy the company of my husband without worrying about a crying baby or a bedtime - what's not to love, right? Wrong. As the day got closer and closer, I could feel my heartstrings pulling. I once thought it would be Colin that would be most effected, but now it turns out it was me! I found myself holding him a little longer and squeezing him a little harder the night before we were to leave. I just had to get one more ounce of love in him and from him. He fell asleep before we left on Saturday so we didn't get to say goodbye - probably for the best.

Wes and I both missed him a lot, but we also thoroughly enjoyed our time together. This was the first time we had been away from him overnight and it was tough. I think what I missed most was ironically what I complain about the most - hearing him first thing in the morning, my little wake up call. I realized that I love going in his room and picking him up from his crib. He's always so excited to see me, he's warm, and he loves to curl up on my shoulder to cuddle.

I'm happy to report that Colin and Grams did just fine as well. As a matter of fact, I'm not sure Colin even realized we were gone. I think he must have thought he just took a really long nap. He was excited to see us, but not as excited as we were to see him. I got to witness Wes and Colin's special bond again, as Colin's face lit up when he saw Wes. Wes got down and played and played with him. It just warms my heart to see them interact. I always knew Wes would make a great father, but I don't think I could have ever imagined just how exceptional he really is. I'm so lucky to have both of my boys!