Yesterday, I slept in until 11, enjoyed a quiet lunch while watching a movie, and spent the afternoon shopping and browsing my favorite bookstore.
And it was quiet. Nobody begged me for more water, more books, more food. I didn’t have to change a diaper or wash a peanut-buttered face. The silence was bliss.
This morning, I found the perfect toy for a two-year-old. It was a used blue Little Tikes Cozy Coupe and I knew Nate would be thrilled with it. “Nate car blue go bye-bye.”
But he’s going to have to wait to see it. Nate is spending a few days with his grandparents and I’m enjoying the silence, but also missing the fun.
Mostly, the quiet is appreciated. I’m amazed by what I can do when I’m not responsible for anyone else. Getting out the door is greased lightning: grab my purse and coat (15 seconds) and lock the door (5 seconds). I breeze through Target, the shoe store, and the library in hardly any time, all the while stopping myself to make sure I’m not forgetting the diaper bag.
What did my husband and I do in our spare time before Nate was born? The ease of “Let’s go here just for fun right now!” is fabulous. We’ve had more dates this week than several months put together. It’s great fun and I’m in danger of becoming addicted.
Despite my temporarily glamorous lifestyle, I still find myself wanting to show Nate everything. He doesn't talk well on the phone, so I content myself with a “show him later” stack. So far, the stack is a toy car, several picture books, and a puzzle I found in a closet. I wish I had a photo of the dancing bunny-man I saw on the side of the road. He would have laughed.
Usually, when I tell people that my son is away for a while, they act surprised that I would let him that far away from me. And I’m always surprised at their surprise.
Why wouldn’t we both enjoy a bit of change?
I love my son and really enjoy being with him. But he looks forward to spending time with Grandma (and her cookies) and I look forward to sleeping in. It’s a short respite from the ordinary and we enjoy it.
And the whole time, I can’t wait to bring him home.