Monday, May 19, 2008

The Children and Playkids



I would love to tell y'all what a wonderful time we had at our Luncheon this weekend, meeting and hanging out with Roxanne St. Claire, celebrating PC's first sale with close friends and the Mavens, but I had a realization last night: having the Monday blogging spot, I tend to tell y'all all about our weekend fun and no one else gets to blog about it. Easy and fun for me, not as fun for the other Playfriends. I'll leave them to tell you all about it later this week. Although, BTW, Roxanne is the sweetest person! She's helpful, funny, and just wonderful to hang around. It was great to meet her after hearing so much about her from PM. Squeee!

Instead I'll tell you a little story about AFTER I got home. I didn't get back to the house this weekend until after my children were in bed Saturday night. Driving home was an adventure in and of itself. (Deb, my hubby says thanks for the heads-up on the wine! He's grateful!) But after talking over our weekends with the hubby, I crashed around 11:30pm. Nothing invaded my sleep from that point—not a noise or movement. I don't think I shifted my position by even a centimeter, I was so dead asleep. But at 4:30am, I blinked awake without a clue as to why my heart was suddenly racing and my ears were searching for sound.

Suddenly, I heard a faint and familiar cry. My son. Suffice it to say, both of my children have gone through periods where, instead of waking up naturally and going potty in the middle of the night, their bodies don't wake up enough for them to navigate the dark, and they wander around in their rooms trying to figure out how to get to the bathroom. They cry because they are actually still asleep.

Realizing what was happening, I stumbled from the bed, crossed the hall, and called out to him. Finding him more by instinct than sight, I picked him up and we headed for the bathroom. Now, I can describe this, because he's 3, though he'll probably kill me later in life. I settled him on the toilet, then sat on the rim of the tub until he finished, because he was swaying, still drowsy enough to act drunk, which is SO CUTE on a kid that age. :)

Then the sweetest thing happened. All of a sudden, he seemed to realize it was Mommy there beside him. The Mommy he hadn't seen all weekend and didn't know was home. He turned to look at me, eyes glassy and dazed, and this HUGE grin broke out on his face. My heart contracted, and I couldn't help smiling back. He was so happy to see me.

Then his gaze wandered around aimlessly for a few minutes, finally settling back on me, and he tossed out that same grin. I had to stifle a laugh this time, because it reminded me of the type of drunk that gets all touchy feely when he's liquored up. (I know, don't hate me because I've compared my child with a lush. It was just funny!)

He repeated this action several times before his eyes started drifting closed. As I snuggled his body close to mine, carried him back to bed, and tucked him under the covers, I sported a little smile of my own. I'd had a great time out with my friends, but he made me so happy to be home....

What makes you grateful to be home?


Angel

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

That's so sweet, Angel!!

Rhonda Nelson said...

Ditto what Jen said!

As for what makes me happy to be home--a clean house! I left a mess and came home to sparkling counter tops. Woot!

Problem Child said...

I just like sleeping in my own bed...

Anonymous said...

What a wonderful story. Nothing like feeling the love of your kid.

Pat L.

Andrea Laurence AKA Smarty Pants said...

At the moment, I don't know. I came home to a very grouchy DB and we ended up fighting. (Yay!) Made me wish I'd stayed and had wine instead of rushing home.

Maybe my puppies. They are always happy to see me, even if I spend too much time away and never clean the house.

Playground Monitor said...

I can just imagine Little Man grinning like that. He has such an infectious grin anyway.

I came home to an empty house. The DH was gone for the weekend and didn't get home until about nine last night. So yesterday afternoon I went to the new fancy shopping center and stimulated the economy a little. ;-) Got myself some new skin care products and nail polish at Ulta . That way when the trips to Curves start paying off, my face will be caught up too. LOL! And I can have pretty pink toenails until then.

PM

Anonymous said...

How sweet and thanks for sharing.
What makes me happy...my work, family and reading great books.
robertsonreads

Kira Sinclair - AKA Instigator said...

Spending several days with y'all and then coming home to my wonderful DH and kids. Can't get a better weekend than that!

Do we need to have a Playground Family get together so the men feel part of the fun?

Instigator

mslizalou said...

That is so sweet Angel! My youngest niece(who is 4) does stuff like that when she is at my house. She likes to snuggle in Yaya's bed.

Roxanne St. Claire said...

Angel, that brought a tear to my eye and a flood of memories. Every once in a while I get that smile from my fifteen year old (usually when he wants money) and it feels just as good now as it did then. Thanks for sharing.

And if I may stand up on the top of the slide here at the playground and shout out my appreciation for all the warmth and lurrrrve I felt this weekend at the Heart of Dixie Reader's Luncheon. You all (guess after three days in Huntsville, I can say y'all) made me feel so utterly welcome! The best part was getting to know each and every one of you better (and definitely understanding how you got your personality-specific nicknames). I had a blast and can't wait to come back up and hang with all the terrific ladies of the HOD chapter. Old friends and new, I love how we find that common ground: writing, romance, and, of course, the sheer perfection of Jon Bon Jovi. :-)

Coming home is always good, too. For me, it's that peace that settles over me when I open the door and see those faces who are so delighted that Mommy's back. Especially Daddy's face - that is the look of a relieved man. It's nice to be needed and loved.

Thanks again to the Playfriends and the whole HOD chapter for an unforgettable weekend!

xoxo
Rocki

Lynn Raye Harris said...

I'm late. Been up late working, sleeping in, dealing with sick hubby. :( Well, sleeping in my own bed is always a plus. And seeing the hubby, though he was grouchy and sick this time. Seeing my cats -- and yes, they are happy and start performing for me when I walk in the door. There are toys to be played with, a show to put on, etc. They never disappoint. :)

It was a blast of a weekend, y'all! We loved having you, Rocki!!

And Angel, that's the most wonderful homecoming story. So sweet and adorable. :) You are blessed indeed. :)

Sherry Werth said...

Angel, that is so sweet! Enjoy those precious moments.
I feel happy today - even though there are dirty dishes in the sink and a mountain of laundry, it's ok.
The luncheon was great and I so enjoyed spending time with everyone and meeting new people. Roxanne St. Claire gave a wonderful speech. She is so nice and friendly and a lot of fun to hang out with.
Life is good.

Katherine Bone said...

Ah, Angel! How sweet. Made me remember the times I've shared with my kids when they were little.

I came home to a clean house, prepared for company to arrive. Woot! What a relief!! Mom made it in safely, my son and his family made it in safely. I've been enjoying snuggling and hugging my grandsons. Not to mention seeing #3 dressed in his cap and gown with honors. Good times!