A Mommy Milestone

Joe and I had to take a ministry trip a couple of weekends ago. Since having kids the nature of the conferences we attended included children, so the kids have always come with us. We had never traveled without them! Our latest trip was a BIG first for this mommy! As we learned more about our trip, it was clear that the kids should stay home. Since Ella is still nursing we made arrangements to bring her with us AND since Abby is such a big girl, we called Grammy and asked if she would come stay with Abby for three days!

We knew Abby would have a great time with Grammy, but it was a big step for me to be away from her for that long! It was just hard for me to leave her. Abby is my little buddy. When she is not with me, it feels like there is something missing. We missed her the whole time, but we also know the time away was healthy and a good growing up moment for all of us.

helping Mommy get ready the morning we left.

seriously...and we wonder why I missed her. My little buddy.

Abby and Grammy had tons of fun together. We called Abby once every morning and were refreshed to hear her so genuinely enjoying herself. She would ask when we were coming home, but then quickly told us about her time and all of the things planned for her fun day with Grammy. That was just another bit of God's grace to me during our time away!

Ella took the schedule change, overstimulation and airport excitement in stride. On the airplane, Ella was a little social bug. She was entertaining everyone around us. She was all smiles and laughter.

Fist airplane ride!

During our meetings, Ella was taken care of by some wonderful women. She struggled a bit being away from me (height of the separation anxiety stage), but overall she did great. At one point, she was hanging out in one of the offices with this big green guy. His name is Boz. Ella thought he was pretty cool

I think Ella really missed her big sister. When she heard Abby's voice through the phone, she was wild with excitement. As a mom, it's really priceless to me to see the bond my girls have with each other. I pray often that they will always be best friends.

 

Without Abby around, Ella had to find some new friends.

When I sent this picture to my mother-in-law with the above caption, she showed it to Abby and Abby responded, "That isn't a new friend...that's two sissies!"

 

 

On our last day away, Abby said, "Grammy, it's really hard to wait for my mommy and daddy to come home."  She processed her feelings like such a big girl. Precious. 

 

 

 

 

 God totally blessed our time. Abby had a great time with Grammy. Ella enjoyed the adventure and having her parents all to herself for a bit. Joe and I had a great time in our meetings and during our free time at night. Blessed. Thankful for a seamless trip and a great mother-in-law who took care of everything at home. Thank you Grammy!