Just What I Needed

After a week of long work days and busy nights, I was craving some Isabella time. I had spent a total of 45 minutes with her over Wednesday and Thursday combined, which is just not enough, plain and simple. I really, really missed her and was afraid she would grow apart from me or something.

I needn’t have worried.

I purposely made myself leave the office at 4 p.m. in order to get as much time with her tonight as possible. I got home just as she was waking from her afternoon nap and heard her saying “Mama! Mama!” on the monitor (she can tell which of us is coming home based on the garage door that opens). I went in and was greeted with a big smile. I pulled her out and she gave me a big hug too.

Ah, just what I needed.

I changed her diaper and she was in a great mood. She was talking and giggling and being silly. I started singing, “Where is Munchkin?” to the tune of “Where is Thumpkin?” and she yelled out “MUNCHKIN!” That was the first time she’d called herself that.

I decided it was a good day for a walk so we got our coats on and headed to the garage. She even climbed down the stairs all by herself for the first time! I was so proud of her! I strapped her in to the stroller. We walked for about half an hour. She sang and talked to me the whole time. Being outside in the sun and fresh air was so amazing. I felt my head clear up immediately. And to share it with my daughter was even better.

Mmmm, just what I needed.

When we got back home, I made up some French toast, using the fresh Italian Bread I had bought from Whole Foods (what can I say, I’m multi-cultural). OMG was it good! We had that along with some plums and yogurt and then she had a Mickey Mouse cookie for dessert.

I think Munchkin sensed I needed lots of love because all night she stayed close and gave me tons of kisses, hugs and nose pokes. She wanted to be carried a lot too, which I was happy to do.

Just what I needed.

We played for a bit and she had fun dragging her caterpillar toy up and down the hall saying, “Pulling…pulling…”

Then it was time for her bath. It was a short one as she wasn’t really in the mood for bath time, but that was ok. We had fun splashing and playing with the boats. I put her in her pajamas and she helped me clean up the living room saying “Pick up!” and “Cleaning!” while she did it. I love that she narrates everything she does. It cracks me up and makes me smile every time.

As we neared bedtime, she climbed in to my lap and we read some books together. At one point she leaned back and snuggled in to me. I wanted to freeze time and savor that moment forever.

It was just what I needed.

Now she’s in bed and sound asleep. Part of me is ready to have some quiet time and part of me wishes I could climb in the crib with her and snuggle all night. But, this weekend I will be with her all day both days and can’t wait. She’s my little sweetheart and I love her dearly. A friend asked me last night if I was ever jealous that CJ got to be home with her all the time. My answer was yes. He gets to see and experience moments with her that I can’t. But at the same time, being away from her, helps me appreciate our time together all the more. And I wouldn’t trade that time for anything.

It is just what I need.

P.S. Samson was our buddy all night too. He even let Isabella crawl in the kennel with him and snuggle. Good boy dude!