1 Mother 2 Another

I’ve got a family member who needs a
little extra help this weekend, so I’m soon to be winging my
way north to help out for a couple days.


Yep, you read it right. Time to Par-Tay without the kids.


I leave today and get back Sunday afternoon, and this’ll be
my first time away from the girls since, well, Cora was born. And
as much as I know my trip is going to be about helping out, I
can’t help but look on it as a major VACATION!!!!!!

I’ve explained it in detail to
Maddie, who’s dubious but willing. In fact, she suggested
last night that I leave earlier today so I’d have more time
with my relative. She and Gamma had a meeting yesterday –
complete with a notebook and pen – to brainstorm ideas for
While Mummy’s Gone. I tried not to eavesdrop, but
couldn’t help but overhear that the “meals”
category consisted of pizza, macaroni and cheese, and hot dogs, and
the “things to do” category had such brilliant ideas as
“pizza at the pool” and “movie night”.


Apparently I’m not the only one looking upon this as a
vacation.


With Cora, I’ve mentioned it casually several times but tried
to not make a huge deal out of it. I’ve explained I’m
going out of town and will be back in two night-nights. She seems
ok, and has mentioned having Maddie snuggle her instead, but I
still worry about the fallout I’m leaving behind –
namely, Daddy and Gamma and two sleepless nights.


I think I’m leaving in the best possible way: I’ll put
them down for their naps and then head out. I often head to work
while they’re sleeping, so both are used to me being gone
when they wake up. Then it’ll be Daddy and some fun dinner,
and the hits will keep on rolling for the next two days.


I know I’ve got just a couple days ahead of me of freedom,
but the plane ride alone stretches unbearably luxuriously before me
– two hours with no one needing a snack! I can do a
crossword! Read a book! Listen to music!


Take a nap!


I’m unduly excited about being responsible for no one but
myself for forty-eight hours, and don’t really feel bad about
that, which makes me feel bad in itself. I have the usual worries:
have I left enough instructions? Enough food? Enough love? But
mostly, I think about how refreshing it will be after a rather long
summer.


I’m afraid Monday’s going to come around all too
soon.