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I was away for 8 days. It was my first trip without my girls.
I weaned Sophia a few weeks earlier in preparation. I explained to Julia that she was the big sister and if Sophia woke in the night wanting Mommy, that she ought to look after her.
Julia had proudly reassured me that she would tell Sophia, “Mommy will be home in 8 sleeps. It’s only 8 sleeps. That’s not long.”
I was confident they’d be okay, but I never imagined they’d be THAT okay! They were FINE!!! I could not believe it.
And me?
Well, fortunately, I was so ridiculously busy that I kept my mind from straying into a separation-induced panic attack. (The last couple nights, I felt a few quivers of panic, but I mananged to distract myself.)
I am so thankful that my girls have become so confident and independent, but as a Mommy, it’s hard not to feel a tinge of sadness. Since I work full-time on our online businesses, I have a fabulous woman come and look after my girls. She’s a neighbor’s mother — actually a young grandmother — and Julia and Sophia adore her.
Before Sophia was born, I was never apart from Julia for more than 2 hours. I only ever had a few babysitters — which Julia usually scared away with her wails for Mommy.
And sometimes I’m sad that it’s not me with them all day every day. But on the flip side, I am so thankful that they are growing to be independent and that they are not held hostage to the separation anxiety that I battled as a child. (Even as I grew older and other kids didn’t think twice about leaving for camp without their Moms, I fought back tears and nausea.)
So while I was away Julia and Sophia enjoyed their regular daytime routine with their nanny and had lots of extra special Daddy time at night.
When I came home on my birthday, July 30th, they were so excited to surprise me with a little party. They clung to me with kisses and hugs and I held tight as long as I could.
For the weekend I stayed offline and soaked up snuggle after snuggle and smile after smile.
Please don’t remind me that I have to leave again in two days…
Amanda says
they are adorable. You are doing a great job with them
Zarita says
They’re cute! Seem like your older daughter can take a look at her sister well….
Kristin says
Sweet words! The great thing about having a sister is that there’s always someone around to hug! 🙂
Heather says
Your girls are beautiful!
Rachel says
They’re so adorable!!! I’m so glad they did well while you were away! …And I’m SOO sorry you’ve got to leave them again! But at least you know they’ll do fine!!
Believer says
They are precious! Keeping family first while the world tugs at us can be a challenge.
Jenn says
Gah! I have to leave in a few weeks and only for one night. I’m already dreading it! I know that it will be harder on me than it will be on my sweet little girl.
Casual Friday Every Day says
Oh Susan, they are just precious! And look a lot alike. You’re blessed!
Nell
Stephanie says
Your girls are so sweet, Susan! And it looks like they’re good friends too!
Mikki says
Aww. So precious.
I remember when my DH and I lived in MD and we took a vacation to CA to see our friends get married. Our little ones were about your little ones age.. it was so hard.
So glad you were able to stay computer free and get some cuddle time in!!