We're home!

We are finally back in Maryland!  Natalie and I made the drive back on the Sunday of Memorial Day weekend (with no traffic, thank GOD!) and we've been anxiously waiting for Jon to arrive ever since.

Ice cream at Cracker Barrel on our way home

Natalie was adorable, spending the first day or so at the house walking around saying "This is our house!"  Like she couldn't believe it.  I know she loved spending time with her Mamaw, Papaw, Nana, Pops and Aunts and cousins but I think she was ready to be home and back in her routine.  This morning when I dropped her off at baby school as we were pulling in the driveway she said "This is my school!  Mommy found it!  She found it!".  As if she thought it had been lost, somehow.  Even though I was a bit anxious about her transitioning back to school when I picked her up yesterday the first words out of her mouth when she saw me at the door was "Hi Mommy, I'm happy!". 

A little outside playtime on Memorial Day

Natalie talks pretty much non-stop and when she isn't talking she is narrating her day in song.  She sings about everything.  Its like she's an old blues singer trapped in a little girl's body.  Although she rarely ever gets the blues her songs sound something like... "Putting on my shoes, my purple, fast shoes... brushing my teeth, so they will be so clean."  Its hilarious.  She also told me this morning that she was "astounded".  I'm amazed every day at how aware she is of everything we say and how happy she is about most things.

Very happy on her way to Baby School

One last story - and this one is for Jon.  She talks about her "sweet Daddy" constantly.  She saves food for him, every day on the way home from school she asks if Daddy is home and when he will hold his sweet girl.  She wakes up every morning and asks to go see Daddy in his bed.  I dearly hope I can get a picture of her face when they are finally reunited.  We all miss Jon when he is away, but Natalie is definitely the most outspoken about it! :)

Thankful. So very, very thankful

I keep things light here on this blog - mainly because its hard not to smile when you are around or talking about Natalie - but we've been absent recently.  Absent from our home, our routine and the center of our family (Jon), and its been tough.  We've adapted, as we usually do, but it has been harder than usual this year.

But this post isn't about how challenging traveling for a month with a toddler can be.  This post is about how very, VERY thankful I am for the support system that always carries us during this time.  The people who give so generously of their time, energy, resources and love to sustain Natalie and me.  This year it was even tougher on them too!  Here it is, my list of blessings and thank yous in no particular order:
Mom and Dad: Who open their home, schedule and hearts to Natalie and me and all of our clutter.  Dad has been Super-Papaw this month taking Natalie on adventures to and fro and generally making sure that I am able to get my work done during the week.  Mom has cooked and lord has she cleaned up after Natalie and I and loved us even when we were both in a "fit".  They never cease to amaze me with their love. 
Leslie (and her family): Did I mention she is currently on maternity leave with her sweet baby Delaney?  Recovering from a c-section and caring for a newborn is no small task in an of itself, but we have enjoyed her home, her cooking and her company more than anyone should impose on a busy, new mom.  She has offered, even before asked, for so many things and I don't know what I'd do without her.
Nana, Pops & Auntie Erin: Natalie and I visited for a brief week with Jon's parents and I ended up traveling most of the week.  Nana was on "Natalie time" and spent the few days entertaining and enjoying Natalie.  She had a great time and it was such a relief to know that my sweet girl was having so much fun with her Daddy's family.  There really is nothing that compares to the love of family.  Nothing.
Extended Family & Friends: This weekend I was overwhlemed with the generosity of my immediate (as usual) and extended family.  My Mom, Dad and Leslie hosted a "sprinkle" for me to celebrate the pending arrival of the twins and it was wonderful.  So much work went into preparing for and changing the plans (darn rain!) for this party and I was amazed at the love and generosity.  I am one blessed woman to have so many people who care for me and my growing family.  The "thank you" cards will never be enough but I hope they realize how very grateful I am for each and every one if them.

Jon (thank GOD) will be home soon and we'll head back to Maryland to resume our "normal" life for the rest of the Summer until the circus comes to town (AKA: the twins arrive in August) but I wanted to put this brief and I am sure, incomplete list of thank-you's out there before something else crowded it out of my brain.