while daddy was away...

it's been a while since i've posted...i just can't muster the energy these days.

but, the birds were singing today AND i had my 30 week check up 

i'm starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.

soon and very soon - spring and a baby.

two things i love heaps and heaps.

so, in honor of that...a post long over due:

J had plans a couple weekends ago that included warm weather and a few days' get away.

I always get a little nervous about flying solo.

I do it all the time for short bursts, but 3 full days of meals, keeping up the house, entertaining littles, ending fights over dolls and toys, in and out of car seats and bedtime routines can seem daunting.

Especially during these last few weeks of growing a human being.

But, my parents were kind enough to come up for part of it.

They were a big help, especially during Tulip's epic tantrum upon leaving Chucky Cheese (that deserves a post all its own!).

and although we missed daddy dearly, we enjoyed the quiet, cozy days at home.

most of our time was spent dressing babies and having picnics

and making sure that all pretend beings in our home were well cared for

we painted our nails

read endless stories

and

heard tulip's first "i wuf you, momma"

which caused me to cry big crocodile tears...until she followed it up with "i wuf waffles too" which produced some belly laughs that i'd been in desperate need of

and because it was downright frigid in minnesota that weekend, we had to burn off our energy with a few rockin' wild dance parties in the living room, where momma' got more than her week's exercise twirling little girls around and around and around and around....

our girly time was delicious

but oh, how good it was to see daddy walk back through the door on Monday.

i held down the fort while he was gone, but absence definitely makes the heart grow fonder.

it is times like this that my gratitude for him blooms

i don't know what i'd do without him to share this great adventure

almost 8 years ago, i promised him all our days together...

not realizing then how tough some of them would be.

so glad i made that vow.

it was one of the best decisions i've ever made.